A law lecturer at the University of Ghana, Prof. Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, has criticised the method used by the Economic and Organised Office (EOCO) in arresting the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi.
Chairman Wontumi was arrested on Tuesday, May 27, by EOCO following an earlier arrest by the Criminal Intelligence Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
He was granted a GHC50m bail on Wednesday, May 28, with conditions requiring two justified sureties, which his legal team says have since been met.
However, his release has been delayed due to a pending application filed at the High Court seeking a review of the bail conditions. He cannot be released until the application is withdrawn or resolved.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, May 31, Prof. Appiagyei-Atua questioned how the arrest was carried out, describing it as excessive and potentially violating Wontumi’s human rights.
“You can talk about some possible human rights violations against Mr. Boasiako,” he said. “Because the so-called Rambo-style approach, which was used to ambush him in the middle of the road, to take him to EOCO, is not justified. It wasn’t necessary for EOCO to have done that, because previously he had accepted an invitation to go to the CID.”
Despite his concerns about the arrest, Prof. Appiagyei-Atua noted that EOCO’s handling of the bail process was within the confines of the law.
“When it comes to the bail, EOCO is working within the law,” he added.
The arrest and continued detention of Chairman Wontumi have sparked political tensions and protests.
On Friday, May 30, NPP supporters blocked the road in front of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) in Accra, following his alleged transfer to the facility from EOCO.
A delegation of party officials, including the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, visited the NIB but were informed that Wontumi was not in their custody, further fuelling public concern.
Earlier, on Thursday, May 29, Members of Parliament from the Minority staged a walkout and marched to the EOCO headquarters, where they sat on the ground in protest against Wontumi’s detention. They argued that he should have been granted bail on self-recognizance, citing his prominence and low flight risk.
The case has since drawn national attention, with legal, political, and civil society voices weighing in on due process and the rights of accused individuals.
Maaha Beach Resort fire originated from nearby facility – Management
…..
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital