Former Minister for Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has explained his decision to stand as surety for Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Dr. Acheampong submitted documents to support the bail requirements, helping secure Wontumi’s release from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Monday, June 2, 2025.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the release, Dr. Acheampong said his action was driven by a sense of solidarity and responsibility towards a party member in distress.

“It serves us no good. What is important is that one of us was in trouble. He was arrested, and we needed, as part of the legal process, to provide surety for bail, which has been done. He has been released, and now we wait for the next steps,” he said.

Chairman Wontumi had been in EOCO custody since May 27, under investigation for alleged offences including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. His release followed the fulfilment of a GH¢50 million bail condition, which required two justified sureties.

Although his legal team reportedly met the bail conditions by May 30, his release was delayed due to a pending High Court motion seeking a review of the terms. That motion was withdrawn on June 2, clearing the path for his release.

Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai had earlier indicated that investigations could potentially link Wontumi to a broader international organised crime network.

Chairman Wontumi is expected to cooperate fully with authorities as investigations continue.