Dormaahene Osagyefo Agyemang Badu II (L) has told President Mahama to probe the Nat’l Cathedral hole

The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr Agyemang Badu II, has made a passionate appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to investigate the National Cathedral project.

Speaking at an engagement as part of the president’s Thank You Tour of the Bono Region, the Dormaahene said that the people responsible for the National Cathedral project must be held accountable because so much money has been spent on the project with nothing to show for it.

He asserted that all the people involved in the National Cathedral project, including the clergy, must be investigated.

“I know you are continuing to do your work… His Excellency, $58 million was spent on the National Cathedral with nothing to show for it. Whether those involved are pastors, chiefs, whoever they are, I don’t understand that. Him, investigate it.

“Don’t let any person deceive you from investigating it. Ghanaians will be disappointed in you if you don’t. His Excellency, investigate it (the National Cathedral project),” the paramount chief said.

He went on to say that if the Ashanti Regional Chairman of his party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi or Chairman One, who is currently in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), can be arrested and investigated, no person should be exempt.

“If my friend, Chairman One, has been arrested and the law is taking its course, pastors are not greater than Chairman One, and chiefs are not better than Chairman. The law must be applied equally,” he reiterated.

“As for that pit, I don’t understand it at all. Please probe.” – Dormaahene humorously urges President Mahama to investigate the National Cathedral during his ‘Thank You Tour’ in Sunyani. #CitiNewsroom pic.twitter.com/fHCE74a5MZ

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) May 30, 2025

BAI/MA

The Member of Parliament for Chiana-Paga, Niyema Billa Alamzy, has defended ongoing legal and investigative actions involving public officials, pushing back against accusations of political witch-hunting following the arrest and continued detention of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

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Pandemonium broke out at the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) headquarters today as Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was mobbed by a crowd of party supporters and protesters, leading to violent clashes with police officers attempting to maintain order.

JoyNews coverage captured scenes of utter chaos as police struggled to control the surging crowd.

Supporters violently pushed against security officers preventing them from storming the NIB building.

The situation quickly escalated into physical confrontations, with police officers seen tossing several individuals aside, including a woman who was flung to the ground in the melee.

Amid the turmoil, Dr. Bawumia was forcefully escorted into the building as officers struggled to shield him from the crowd.

Watch the video here:

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Bernard Antwi Boasiako

The 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed disappointment after efforts to meet the bail conditions of GH¢50 million for the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, proved unsuccessful. Wontumi is currently in custody at the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation.

Addressing the press on Friday, May 30, 2025, Dr Bawumia revealed that arrangements to visit Chairman Wontumi had failed.

“We had made arrangements to come and see our Chairman Wontumi, who was arrested and has been held in custody by EOCO. We wanted to check on him and see how he was doing. All necessary preparations were made,” he stated.

Dr Bawumia also criticised the bail conditions imposed on Wontumi.

“I must put on record that the bail conditions set for Chairman Wontumi, GH¢50 million, are very onerous. I don’t know how many people in Ghana own property worth that amount. It appears designed to delay his release,” he remarked.

He further expressed dissatisfaction over being denied access to Wontumi despite prior notice.

“We are very disappointed in our inability to see him, especially after making the necessary arrangements. We’ve communicated our disappointment and will continue efforts to ensure we get to see him,” he added.

The former Vice President also appealed for calm among party supporters.

“I want to plead with all of you to remain calm as we work behind the scenes to ensure his release. I believe we will succeed, but we must remain peaceful and not take the law into our own hands. It’s important that we follow due process and ensure Chairman Wontumi is released safe and sound,” he urged.

Chairman Wontumi was taken into custody by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after undergoing interrogation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

He is currently under investigation for alleged involvement in multiple criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.

Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai, has disclosed that a second phase of the investigation reportedly links Wontumi to a broader international organised crime syndicate.

Although EOCO granted him bail of GH¢50 million, his legal team has yet to meet the conditions required for his release.

JKB/MA

Meanwhile, here’s why Bright Simons has vowed to fight Ibrahim Mahama’s GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has dismissed reports suggesting that new individuals have been recruited to work at Ghana’s embassy in Washington D.C., USA.

In a statement shared on Facebook, Ablakwa commended the newly reconstituted diplomatic team for their outstanding performance as the embassy resumed full operations.

“From the briefing I have received, our reopened embassy in Washington D.C. issued over 800 visas on the first day of resumption,” he revealed. “I expect this level of efficiency, professionalism, and integrity to continue.”

He described the team as a “fresh group of seasoned diplomats,” crediting them with spearheading a successful systems overhaul and implementing institutional reforms to restore the embassy’s credibility and service delivery.

“This is a testament to the fact that Ghanaian diplomats excel when provided with the right ecosystem and leadership,” Ablakwa noted.

He firmly rejected claims that the restructuring involved the hiring of new staff to replace previous personnel.

“Contrary to false and baseless claims, there have been no new recruitments to replace lost jobs in our Washington embassy — we have an adequate stock of distinguished and astute diplomats to lead ongoing reforms,” he clarified.

Ablakwa emphasized that the restructuring is part of a broader national agenda aimed at restoring integrity and improving service delivery across Ghana’s foreign missions.

“This cannot be reduced to ‘jobs for the boys,’” he stressed. “It is part of a patriotic, consequential reset agenda.”

Source:

Alexander Agyare is the NPP Member of Parliament for Kade

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Kade, Alexander Agyare, has bemoaned the continued detention of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of his party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

In a write-up sighted by GhanaWeb, Alexander Agyare asserted that the arrest and detention of the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman bears semblance to an autocracy and not a democracy.

He wondered how ordinary citizens are going to be treated if Chairman Wontumi, whom he described as a “high-profile citizen”, can be dealt with in such a manner.

“The Minority’s march to EOCO was not just about Chairman Wontumi, it was about defending the rule of law and exposing abuse of power. His arrest was excessive, his detention unlawful, and the denial of legal access unacceptable.

“Ghana is a democracy, not a dictatorship. We don’t enforce laws with brute force and political bias. If a high-profile citizen can be treated this way, what hope does the ordinary Ghanaian have?” he queried.

“As a Member of Parliament, I strongly condemn the use of excessive force, demand an investigation into the officers involved, and urge our security services to act with professionalism and respect for rights. Ghana needs justice, not drama. Law, not intimidation. Peace, not fear,” the MP’s write-up concludes.

Chairman Wontumi was arrested and detained by EOCO after reporting to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

He was granted bail set at GH¢50 million with two sureties, both to be justified, after hours of interrogation.

Initial reports indicated that he was unable to meet the bail conditions, resulting in an extended stay in EOCO custody for an additional night.

However, Accra-based JoyNews reports that the politician has, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, managed to secure one surety, with only one remaining to fully satisfy the bail requirements.

The Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem Sai, has disclosed that Chairman Wontumi is under investigation for multiple criminal offences.

These include fraud, causing financial loss to the State, and money laundering.

In a statement posted on social media on Thursday, May 29, 2025, Justice Srem Sai revealed that Wontumi, who has been in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) since Tuesday, is also implicated in a second strand of investigation linked to a broader international organised crime scheme.

The Deputy Attorney General emphasised that EOCO is collaborating closely with international law enforcement partners to probe this complex network of alleged criminal activities.

BAI/MA

Meanwhile, here’s why Bright Simons has vowed to fight Ibrahim Mahama’s GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit

The Policy Adviser for Political Affairs at the Office of the Vice President, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, has called on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to establish realistic Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess the work of assembly members.

Speaking at the maiden interface meeting with the 33 Municipal and District Chief Executives in the Eastern Region, Mr. Ofosu Ampofo said the move would ensure accountability and promote development at the local level.

He noted that the government has allocated sufficient funds for the payment of monthly allowances to assembly members to empower them to function effectively.

Mr. Ofosu Ampofo urged MMDCEs to create a harmonious working environment for assembly members and to commit to the provisions of local governance laws. He also encouraged them to emulate the humility and leadership qualities of President John Dramani Mahama.

“Being appointed by the president means you must reflect his image—his humility, knowledge, and deep understanding of governance. Take time to study the Local Government Act and understand your role in driving development,” he said.

Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Awatey also addressed the gathering, urging MMDCEs to engage stakeholders to identify sustainable avenues for internally generated funds (IGF), boost local revenue, and ensure transparency in resource use.

“As you assume office, public expectations are high. Citizens are looking for improved sanitation, quality education and healthcare, job creation, and effective governance. Your leadership will directly impact lives, so strategic thinking and innovation are critical,” she stated.

A founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Nyaho-Nyaho Tamakloe, has criticised the party’s leadership over its handling of the arrest of Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Reacting to how the arrest of the Chairman has been handled so far, he declared that the party currently “has no leadership.”

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews on Friday, Dr. Tamakloe expressed dismay at the silence and inaction of the party’s national executives following Wontumi’s detention by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO).

Wontumi was arrested on Wednesday and remains in custody after being denied bail, with EOCO setting bail conditions at GH₵50 million—a figure NPP supporters have described as politically motivated and excessive. The arrest has sparked protests from party members, who stormed the EOCO headquarters on Thursday demanding his release.

Dr. Tamakloe, a former Ghana Football Association (GFA) chairman and seasoned political figure, suggested that the party’s leadership vacuum was emboldening internal divisions and weakening its position.

His comments come amid growing tension within the NPP, with some members accusing EOCO of targeting Wontumi for political reasons. However, others, including the Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, have called for due process to be followed.

Meanwhile, security has been heightened at the NIB headquarters where Wontumi has been moved.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

The Minority Caucus in Parliament made a swift return to the House on Friday, 30 May 2025, after staging a brief walkout in protest of the bail conditions imposed on Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Chairman Wontumi was arrested on Tuesday, 27 May, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and was later granted bail set at GH₵50 million.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its allies have strongly criticised the bail amount, describing it as excessive and politically motivated.

On Thursday, 29 May, Minority MPs, led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, walked out of Parliament in protest. Afenyo-Markin condemned the bail conditions as unjust.

“We are not going to ask for any property. We don’t have GH₵50 million. Where is he going to get it from? They must do the right thing, and we will not be part of any proceedings until then,” he told the House before exiting.

He also pledged full support for Chairman Wontumi, stating, “We will stand with him. If it means we have to spend nights with him, we will do so.”

However, the following day, members of the Minority Caucus returned to the chamber and participated in parliamentary proceedings. Although no official explanation was given for the sudden return, it suggests possible behind-the-scenes negotiations or reassurances that helped ease the standoff.

Meanwhile, Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, confirmed on Thursday through his official Facebook page that Chairman Wontumi is under investigation for several serious crimes. These include fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.

“Suspect Bernard Antwi Boasiako, a.k.a. Chairman Wontumi, is under investigation for various criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the State, and money laundering,” Srem-Sai stated.

He added that EOCO is leading the investigation and has already begun efforts to recover assets suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Source: Adomonline

Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

The 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has arrived at the headquarters of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) following the arrest and continued detention of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi.

Several Members of Parliament and senior party officials have also gathered at the NIB premises, alongside a crowd of supporters, amid heightened police security.

Chairman Wontumi was arrested on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

Following his release by the CID, he was immediately taken into custody by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

Although EOCO granted him bail of GH¢50 million on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, he has yet to meet the conditions, which include providing two justified sureties.

In response to his continued detention, Minority Members of Parliament marched from Parliament to EOCO headquarters on Thursday, May 29, demanding his immediate release.

The protest caused significant traffic disruptions and prompted a strong police presence.

LIVE | Former Vice President, Dr. Bawumia, storms NIB headquarters as dozens of NPP supporters gather at the gate to demand the immediate release of Chairman Wontumi pic.twitter.com/VgsKWLpe8D

— ThisIsNeneOdompleh (@The1957News) May 30, 2025

JKB/MA

Meanwhile, here’s why Bright Simons has vowed to fight Ibrahim Mahama’s GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit

Former President, John Agyekum Kufuor

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has expressed his support for the upcoming National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, scheduled for July 1, 2025, emphasising the importance of grounding governance in values such as humanity, unity, and inclusiveness.

He made these remarks on Friday, May 30, 2025, when the Planning Committee for the event paid a courtesy call on him at his residence in Peduase.

Commending former President John Dramani Mahama for initiating the event, Kufuor described Republic Day as a momentous occasion.

“Republic Day marks the day Ghana appointed its first president. It is not a day to be taken lightly. If President Mahama, in his faith, sees this not only as a time to commemorate Ghana becoming a republic but also to offer thanksgiving to God and pray for greater prosperity, then I believe he is right, and I support him. We look forward to the celebration,” Kufuor said.

President Mahama has announced that Ghana will now observe July 1, traditionally celebrated as Republic Day, as the country’s official National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

JKB/MA

Meanwhile, here’s why Bright Simons has vowed to fight Ibrahim Mahama’s GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit

Ghana’s political landscape is bracing for an extraordinary face-off in the 2028 general elections, one that promises to be as symbolic as it is historic. In what many analysts are calling a “Clash of the Beasts,” the presidential race is shaping up to feature a battle between the resilient and agile mosquito and the bold and powerful lion.

The mosquito is none other than Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the longest-serving National Executive of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), affectionately and sometimes mockingly called “General Mosquito” by Ghanaians. Known for his sharp tongue, strategic wit and grassroots appeal, Asiedu Nketiah seems to be emerging as the front-runner in the NDC’s upcoming presidential primaries who may face-off notable contenders like Haruna Iddrisu, the seasoned Tamale South MP and Minister for Education; Julius Debrah, the current Chief of Staff; and Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, the respected former Finance Minister.

Asiedu Nketiah’s edge stems from decades of dedication to the NDC, his unmatched organizational skills and his ability to resonate with both the party base and the ordinary Ghanaian. Despite his lean physique and unassuming appearance, he has time and again proven to be a political tactician, often underestimated by rivals but always emerging with a sting. He may look fragile but underestimate General Mosquito at your own peril. He is always buzzing where it matters most in the minds and hearts of the grassroots.

Indeed, the mosquito may be small, but it is ever-present, persistent and impossible to ignore. Asiedu Nketiah’s knack for circumnavigating political storms and his reputation for standing firm in the face of opposition have made him a symbol of tenacity. His likely victory in the NDC primaries would mark a dramatic turn in the party’s strategy which could lean fully into experience, loyalty and probably a populist appeal.

On the other side of the political divide, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) appears ready to crown its lion, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong as the party’s presidential candidate for 2028. Agyapong, the maverick businessman and outspoken former Member of Parliament for Assin Central has increasingly consolidated power within the party and that is outpacing other potential aspirants.

Known for his fearlessness, booming voice and fierce loyalty to party and country, Kennedy Agyapong is the embodiment of strength and dominance, the classic traits of a lion. His 2024 presidential primary run, although falling short, endeared him to a significant section of the party’s youth and grassroots supporters who view him as a no-nonsense leader capable of taking decisive action. The lion does not ask permission before it roars and similarly, Kennedy does not wait for cues; he defines the moment.

His reputation as a straight-talker and defender of truth has earned him admirers and critics alike. But few doubt his influence, wealth and raw political power. With his growing appeal, especially among those frustrated with the status quo, many believe that 2028 is his moment.

If the two men secure their respective party nominations, Ghanaians will witness one of the most symbolic and intriguing electoral contests in the nation’s history: a lion squaring off against a mosquito.

The metaphor is rich. The lion, strong and dominant, roams with authority, staking its claim boldly. The mosquito, nimble and strategic, strikes at unexpected moments, often leaving even the mighty unsettled. The 2028 election, if it becomes this duel, would not just be about personalities but it would be about political styles, strategies and philosophies.

Kennedy Agyapong would likely campaign on a platform of strength, patriotism and economic nationalism and would ultimately promise to deal ruthlessly with corruption and inefficiency. Asiedu Nketiah, on the other hand, would likely lean into his record of loyalty, grassroots empowerment and democratic resilience and he will pitch himself as the defender of the ordinary Ghanaian.

With both men carrying immense influence within their parties and among sections of the electorate, the lion-versus-mosquito showdown is set to redefine Ghanaian politics. Whilst lions may rule the savannah, mosquitoes have been known to interrupt even the king’s slumber and come 2028, Ghanaians may have to choose between the roar of strength and the sting of strategy.

May God protect us to witness this epic showdown.

…..

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Source: Scott Edward Agyemang, Doctoral Researcher and Political Analyst

Former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, has dismissed any alleged prospects of President John Mahama seeking a third term in office, describing any such ambition as unconstitutional.

Speaking to JoyNews at the premises of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Mr Titus Glover accused President Mahama of orchestrating efforts to undermine the judiciary as a prelude to amending the constitution to extend his tenure.

“We want to assure President Mahama that he has been given the power to govern,” he said.

“But all the orchestration he is doing to get rid of the Chief Justice is a way of trying to amend the constitution. I have said it before, and I will repeat it: President Mahama’s third term will never happen.”

The former minister criticised the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he described as a campaign of vilification against the Chief Justice, pointing to a flood of public commentary on the charges levelled against her.

“Today, she has filed an affidavit, and all she is asking for is to let the public know what is happening. Is this too much to ask?” he questioned.

Mr Titus Glover labelled the entire situation as a “calculated attempt” by the president, his government, and the party to weaken judicial independence.

He recalled a statement allegedly made by President Mahama during his campaign, vowing to deal with the Chief Justice upon coming to power.

“Didn’t you hear? Didn’t you listen? They said it openly on their political platform,” he added.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Counsel for Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, Andy Appiah Kubi

Andy Appiah Kubi, counsel for the embattled Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, has denied claims that his client has refused to eat in protest against his continued detention.

This update was shared in a viral social media post on Friday, May 30, 2025.

“Chairman Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, denies claims that his client is on a hunger strike,” the post read.

Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyire constituency, Frank Annoh Dompreh, alleged that Bernard Antwi-Boasiako has refused to eat in protest against his detention conditions, describing the supposed hunger strike as a desperate measure amid what he terms “shocking” treatment by EOCO officials.

Wontumi is currently under investigation for alleged involvement in multiple criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.

Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai has revealed that a second phase of the investigation reportedly links Wontumi to a wider international organised crime syndicate.

Despite being granted bail set at GH¢50 million, his legal team has yet to satisfy the conditions required for his release.

See the post below:

Chairman Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, denies claims his client is on a hunger strike

Follow our WhatsApp channel for all the breaking stories: https://t.co/ktgZ6Jv2Xe#JoyNews Bpic.twitter.com/q7q2h9VVON

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) May 30, 2025

JKB/MA

Meanwhile, here’s why Bright Simons has vowed to fight Ibrahim Mahama’s GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit

By James Amoh Junior, GNA

Accra, May 30, GNA – Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC resumed full operations on Thursday with an impressive start, issuing over 800 visas on the first day alone.

The development, Mr Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has hailed as a sign of renewed efficiency and professionalism at the mission as he announced in a social media post.

He applauded the newly deployed team of seasoned diplomats for what he called a remarkable start in executing a sweeping overhaul of the embassy’s operations, following recent institutional challenges.

“This is a testament that Ghanaian diplomats excel when provided with the right ecosystem and leadership,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.

He added that the embassy’s reopening marked a significant milestone in ongoing reforms across Ghana’s foreign missions.

The Washington DC mission had recently been the subject of internal audits, resulting in a complete change in leadership and the deployment of some of the Ministry’s most experienced diplomats.

The Minister noted that the changes formed part of a broader “patriotic consequential reset agenda” aimed at restoring the image and credibility of Ghana’s diplomatic outposts.

Responding to allegations that the reforms were being used to create political job opportunities, Mr. Ablakwa firmly refuted such claims.

“There have been no new recruitments to replace lost jobs at our Washington embassy,” he clarified, stating that “we have an adequate stock of distinguished and astute diplomats to lead ongoing reforms. This cannot be reduced to ‘jobs for the boys.’”

He further revealed that an unauthorized and opaque agreement allegedly signed in 2023 between a former embassy official, Fred Kwarteng, and a top embassy staff member has been nullified.

Mr. Ablakwa described the deal as illegal and indicated that the matter, along with details of frozen accounts and other remedial actions, would be fully disclosed in an upcoming address to Parliament.

The Minister’s firm stance and swift actions have been met with widespread public support, particularly on social media, where many commended him for his commitment to institutional integrity and his no-nonsense approach to diplomacy.

Mr Ibrahim Yakubu on facebook said: “Contrary to baseless criticism, your action has clearly restored public confidence at the embassy.”

“Great, I’m really happy with the enthusiasm and passion you put to your work. God bless and protect you!” Mr Emmanuel Baba Zotbah stated.

GNA

Edited by Christian Akorlie

Member of the NDC communications team, Hamza Sayibu Suhuyi

Lawyer and member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communications team, Hamza Sayibu Suhuyini, has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for what he describes as misplaced loyalty to Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Suhuyini expressed shock at the conduct of some leading NPP figures, including Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who were seen seated on the floor in a show of solidarity with Wontumi amid ongoing investigations by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

“When I saw the likes of Afenyo-Markin, reputable lawyers and businessmen on the NPP side, seated on the floor, I told myself that this party is gone,” he stated.

Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on May 30, 2025, he questioned the integrity and judgment of the political class, accusing them of allowing themselves to be used to protect individuals facing serious allegations.

“These are not just acts of sitting on the floor. If these are the calibre of people who allow themselves to be used to shield individuals who need to be investigated, then we are in trouble. It raises serious questions about our maturity and understanding of democracy,” he said.

According to Suhuyini, Chairman Wontumi is under investigation for a series of alleged financial malpractices.

He cited reports suggesting that Wontumi, over the course of eight years, hijacked key operations of the Ghana Cocoa Board—particularly in relation to road construction projects.

One such contract, he noted, was valued at about $45 million. Investigations reportedly reveal that although funds were disbursed for these projects, many of the contracts were not executed.

“There are even allegations that fictitious certificates were created to facilitate payments for work that was never done, particularly involving the Department of Feeder Roads,” Suhuyini stated.

He added that such conduct, and the political support it appears to enjoy, undermines public trust and threatens the foundations of Ghana’s democracy.

MRA/MA

Meanwhile, here’s why Bright Simons has vowed to fight Ibrahim Mahama’s GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit

Andy Appiah-Kubi is the lawyer of Chairman Wontumi

The lawyer of embattled Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), has refuted assertions that his client was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in a ‘rambo style’.

Speaking in an interview with Oyerepa TV/FM on Friday, May 30, 2025, lawyer Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi said a warrant was issued for Wontumi’s arrest by EOCO.

He indicated that if there is anything wrong with his client’s arrest, it is the law that establishes EOCO.

“Let me explain, the type of arrest they made was an arrest under warrant. So, there was an arrest warrant for Chairman Wontumi… So, if there is anything wrong, it should be the law itself and not the approach.

“The law states that EOCO, as an entity, has the same powers as the police — that is the EOCO Act. So, their work is just like that of the police and includes them arresting upon warrant,” he explained in the Twi dialect.

He added, “But the issue with the law is that the warrant should be granted by the court, not by EOCO itself. So, the default in the law is EOCO itself having the power to issue warrants. Because if the law were such that the court was supposed to issue the warrant to EOCO, the justification for issuing the warrant would be determined in the court, but with this (law), they can decide whether or not to arrest under warrant,” he said.

He also explained that because there was a warrant for Wontumi’s arrest, his continued detention by EOCO after 48 hours was not illegal.

“Because he was arrested under warrant, the 48-hour rule under the Criminal Procedure Code does not apply,” he said.

He added that the rule in the criminal code for a suspect to be released after 48 hours only applies to arrests without warrants.

Lawyer Appiah-Kubi said that his team is working to file proceedings in court to get Wontumi’s bail conditions reduced so they can meet them.

Chairman Wontumi was arrested and detained by EOCO after reporting to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

He was granted bail set at GH¢50 million with two sureties, both to be justified, after hours of interrogation.

Initial reports indicated that he was unable to meet the bail conditions, resulting in an extended stay in EOCO custody for an additional night.

However, Accra-based JoyNews reports that the politician has, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, managed to secure one surety, with only one remaining to fully satisfy the bail requirements.

The Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem Sai, has disclosed that Chairman Wontumi is under investigation for multiple criminal offences.

These include fraud, causing financial loss to the State, and money laundering.

In a statement posted on social media on Thursday, May 29, 2025, Justice Srem Sai revealed that Wontumi, who has been in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) since Tuesday, is also implicated in a second strand of investigation linked to a broader international organised crime scheme.

The Deputy Attorney General emphasised that EOCO is collaborating closely with international law enforcement partners to probe this complex network of alleged criminal activities.

BAI/MA

Also, watch the latest news in Twi on GhanaWeb TV below: