“He Should Be Asking About the Charges Instead” — Kpebu Rebukes Bawumia’s Criticism of Bail Amount

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia recently criticized the GH¢50 million bail set for Chairman Wontumi, describing it as unreasonably high and suggesting it was a tactic by the government to delay his release as reported by Ghana Web.

However, legal expert Martin Kpebu has publicly challenged this viewpoint, insisting that Dr. Bawumia’s assessment is based on incorrect advice.

Speaking on TV3’s Key Points, Kpebu emphasized that the focus should be on the charges against Wontumi rather than the bail amount itself.

He argued, “He should be asking about the charges against Wontumi instead,” highlighting that the severity of the alleged offense influences the bail conditions imposed by the court.

Kpebu explained that bail is typically set relative to the financial scope of the alleged crime and the investigation’s details.

According to him, those questioning the GH¢50 million figure should first review the case facts to understand if the bail is appropriate or indeed excessive.

Meanwhile, despite reportedly fulfilling the bail requirements, Chairman Wontumi remains in the custody of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO).

This is due to complications surrounding the verification of his surety, Bryan Acheampong, and a pending application seeking a review of the bail conditions.

The situation shows the complexities involved in high-profile legal cases where bail decisions can be influenced by multiple factors beyond just the monetary amount, including verification processes and ongoing judicial reviews.