Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), widely known as Chairman Wontumi, was released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Monday, June 2, 2025. His release, confirmed by NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua, came after six days in detention following his arrest on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Chairman Wontumi was apprehended by EOCO officers as part of comprehensive investigations into multiple serious allegations. These include fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai also indicated that Wontumi is believed to be linked to a wider international organised crime network, prompting EOCO to collaborate with global law enforcement agencies. Alongside these criminal investigations, asset recovery efforts are underway to prevent the dissipation of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime. The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) is also reportedly preparing its own separate docket on Wontumi’s activities, independent from ongoing EOCO and Criminal Investigations Department (CID) probes.

Following his arrest, Chairman Wontumi was granted bail set at GH₵50 million with two sureties, both required to be justified. His legal team, led by Andy Appiah-Kubi, initially faced challenges in meeting these substantial bail conditions. Efforts to secure his release involved various individuals. For instance, former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, offered documents; however, lawyer Appiah-Kubi clarified that these documents, being unregistered leases or assignments, lacked the necessary title and could not be used. Appiah-Kubi stated he returned these documents and advised Agyapong on the need to perfect them.

The bail conditions were eventually met by Friday, May 30, 2025, significantly aided by Dr Bryan Acheampong, the former Minister for Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Abetifi. Dr Acheampong provided properties and stood as one of the sureties, with reports suggesting his documentation exceeded the required financial value. Justin Frimpong Kodua publicly thanked Dr Acheampong for stepping in when things got difficult, noting his properties were verified, facilitating Wontumi's path to release.

Despite the bail conditions being satisfied on Friday, May 30, Chairman Wontumi’s release was delayed. This was due to an application filed seeking a review of the bail conditions. This motion, originally submitted on May 30 and scheduled for a hearing at the High Court in Accra on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, became an unexpected hurdle. However, the application was formally withdrawn by Wontumi's legal team on Monday, June 2, paving the way for his release. His lawyers later claimed that this application for bail review had been filed without his express authorization.

Chairman Wontumi's detention and the subsequent bail process elicited strong political reactions. Throughout his time in custody, NPP Members of Parliament, party executives, and numerous supporters staged protests. On Thursday, May 29, members of the minority party (interpreted as NPP in opposition to the actions taken against Wontumi, though NPP is the party in context of Wontumi's affiliation) demonstrated at EOCO headquarters and staged a walkout from Parliament, demanding Wontumi's immediate release. Supporters also reportedly blocked traffic in front of EOCO’s offices. Many within the NPP described the bail conditions as excessive and politically motivated, calling for his release on his own recognizance due to his public standing and perceived low flight risk.

The NPP General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, confirmed Chairman Wontumi’s release on the evening of Monday, June 2, while addressing media and supporters at the EOCO headquarters. He stated that Wontumi was home to rest and cautioned the NDC about potential legal confrontations, emphasizing the NPP's legal strength. Chairman Wontumi's release is anticipated to ease some of the political tensions that had escalated during his detention. As part of his bail terms, he is expected to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations by EOCO and other agencies.