The embattled New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, appeared physically weak upon his release from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following six days of confinement.

A video shared on social media shows him walking unsteadily, with his arm around the shoulders of the party's General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, seemingly for support and balance.

The self-proclaimed "Governor of Ashanti" appeared to have difficulty walking, with his left leg moving awkwardly.

Chairman Wontumi was rushed to a hospital on Tuesday, May 27, after reportedly falling ill during questioning by EOCO in Accra. His legal counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi—a former Member of Parliament for Asante-Akim North—confirmed the incident.

Wontumi had been arrested earlier that day by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, and later transferred to EOCO, which is conducting a separate investigation into alleged financial crimes, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.

He was granted bail on Wednesday, May 28, with conditions set at GH₵50 million and two justified sureties. However, despite claims by his lawyers that the bail conditions had been satisfied, Wontumi remained in custody as of Saturday, May 31.

His continued detention sparked protests from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), with Minority MPs staging a sit-in at EOCO’s headquarters on Thursday, May 29. Protesters claimed his arrest was politically motivated and part of a broader campaign of intimidation.

Chairman Wontumi was finally released on Monday, June 2, 2025, after meeting his bail conditions with support from the former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong.