The 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has condemned the arrest and continued detention of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

In a post shared on his X page on Wednesday, May 28, 2024, the NPP flagbearer expressed deep concern over the development, particularly the lack of clarity surrounding the charges and the uncertainty about Wontumi’s whereabouts.

"I am deeply concerned about the arrest and continued detention of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Wontumi), particularly as the charges remain vague, and his whereabouts remain unknown," he wrote.

Reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles, he emphasised that while no individual is above the law, no Ghanaian regardless of political affiliation or social status should be denied their constitutional rights.

“In a democratic environment such as ours, no individual is above the law. Equally, no Ghanaian regardless of political affiliation or status, should ever be denied their constitutional rights. Justice and due process are not optional; they are the foundation of our democracy”, he stated.

Dr Bawumia disclosed that he had been in constant contact with Benard Antwi Bosiako's legal team since the morning of the arrest to ensure that due process is followed and his rights are protected. He commended the legal team for their professionalism and vigilance.

He further urged EOCO and all relevant state institutions to act within the confines of the law and respect the constitutional rights of Benard Antwi-Boasiako.

“Any deviation from these principles risks undermining public trust in our justice system and weakening the democratic values we have worked hard to build,” he cautioned.

He noted that Ghana must remain a nation governed by the rule of law, not arbitrary power.

“Our Republic is strongest when our institutions are both firm and fair,” he stated.

Legal counsel for embattled Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka Chairman Wontumi, has confirmed that his client has been hospitalised.

This was after his arrest and interrogation by state security officers on Tuesday May 28, 2025, where he charged with illegal mining operations and granted bail with two sureties.

Addressing the media after hours of legal and police proceedings, lawyer and NPP Member of Parliament, Andy Appiah-Kubi, revealed that Wontumi fell ill during the interrogation process and was subsequently transferred to a hospital for medical attention.

“My client has been taken to the hospital for medical treatment.We haven’t finished with the interrogation, so we will come back to continue — hopefully tomorrow, if his condition improves. Otherwise, he will remain there until doctors discharge him", he noted.

Read his post below: