Chairman Wontumi regains freedom after three nights in custody

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been released from police custody after spending three nights behind bars.

His release came on Friday, October 10, following confirmation that all bail conditions had been satisfied.

Awal Mohammed, a party communicator, shared the news on Facebook, bringing relief to supporters who had been anxiously awaiting updates.

Chairman Wontumi’s lead counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, had earlier hinted that the final hurdle was the transfer of his client’s passport from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to the court registrar. EOCO officials had promised to deliver the document by Friday morning, paving the way for his release.

Speaking on Ghana Tonight, Mr Appiah-Kubi expressed concern about the broader implications of bail procedures in Ghana.

“When someone hasn’t been found guilty, they deserve their freedom. But the system makes it difficult. You go through verification, evaluation, and delays that can cost you days in custody and a lot of money,” he said.

He explained that the process of justifying property for bail can be financially burdensome. In Wontumi’s case, the bail amount of GHC20 million required a minimum upfront of GHC200,000.

According to the lawyer, this practice unfairly penalises accused persons who are yet to be proven guilty.

The legal team is calling for reforms to make bail more accessible and less costly, especially for individuals who have not been convicted.