Security consultant, Richard Kumadoe
Security consultant Richard Kumadoe has revealed that Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, had previously ignored an invitation from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) before his recent arrest, prompting the deployment of intelligence operatives to his residence.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on May 31,2025, Kumadoe said the earlier attempt by state security to engage the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman went largely unreported.
“In the case of our brother Wontumi, what people have forgotten is that not long ago, you saw NIB guys in front of his house, and because they did not communicate what happened, people did not know that he was previously invited and he failed to show up,” he said.
Chairman Wontumi was invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Tuesday, May 27, over allegations of financial misconduct linked to the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank).
He was later arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), which is investigating him for suspected fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
Wontumi was granted bail on Wednesday, May 28,2025 with the court setting the bond at GH₵50 million, along with two justified sureties.
Despite meeting the conditions, his release was delayed due to fresh legal complications.
In response, Minority Members of Parliament, led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, staged a protest at EOCO’s head office in Accra, demanding Wontumi’s release.
The demonstration disrupted traffic and drew a significant police presence, with MPs accusing state institutions of political harassment.
Kumadoe, however, cautioned against politicising the matter.
“As a country, we must allow investigative bodies to operate within the framework of the law. If there are genuine concerns about rights violations, those issues can be addressed through legal avenues, not street protests”, Kumadoe said.
Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed on Friday, May 30, that all bail conditions had been satisfied.
However, a legal hurdle remains, and he expressed hope that the issue would be resolved by Monday, June 2.
MRA/EB
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