The arrest of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has sparked controversy. Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, a law lecturer at the University of Ghana, has criticized the method used by EOCO in arresting Wontumi, describing it as excessive and potentially violating his human rights.
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 claims have 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.
Professor Appiagyei-Atua questioned the necessity of the Rambo-style approach used by EOCO to arrest Wontumi, especially since he had previously accepted an invitation to appear before the CID. “You can talk about some possible human rights violations against Mr. Boasiako,” he said.
The arrest and continued detention of Wontumi have sparked political tensions and protests. NPP supporters blocked the road in front of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) in Accra, and a delegation of party officials, including Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, visited the NIB but were informed that Wontumi was not in their custody. Members of Parliament from the Minority also staged a walkout and protested against Wontumi’s detention, arguing that he should have been granted bail on self-recognizance.
The case has drawn national attention, with many calling for due process and respect for the rights of accused individuals.
