‘Yesterday I slept’ – Bawumia tells Wontumi after his release from EOCO custody

Chairman Wontumi [L] in a photo with former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer for the 2024 general elections, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, expressed his joy upon seeing the embattled Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following his release from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

Chairman Wontumi visited Dr. Bawumia after his release to thank the former Vice President for his support during his arrest.

In a video of the visit shared on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Chairman Wontumi is seen exchanging pleasantries with several senior party members who were present and thanking them for their overwhelming support.

After shaking hands with the visibly happy former Vice President and taking photos, Dr. Bawumia looked at Wontumi and said, “Yesterday, I slept,” expressing how relieved and excited he was about Wontumi’s release.

Wontumi, who refers to himself as the “Governor of Ashanti,” was arrested on May 27, 2025, by EOCO over allegations of fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.

On Friday, May 30, Dr. Bawumia expressed disappointment that the NPP leadership had been unable to meet the detained Chairman Wontumi.

Dr. Bawumia and the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, had secured permission to visit Chairman Wontumi while he was held at the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) headquarters. However, due to the large crowd of NPP supporters gathered there and the associated security concerns, they were not granted access.

Wontumi was released on Monday, June 2, 2025, after meeting his bail conditions of GH₵50 million with two sureties.

Following his release, Wontumi also visited the NPP headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, June 3, where he was warmly received by party executives and supporters.

Chairman Wontumi visits the next President of Ghana at his office earlier today🫂❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/Jv7mnNr9tl

— Fiifi Sage (@_Fiifi_Sage) June 3, 2025

KA