Lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, legal representative for Bernard Antwi Boasiako (popularly known as Chairman Wontumi), has declared his unwavering intention to focus solely on legal processes to secure his client’s release—steering clear of the rising political drama surrounding the case.
Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling NPP, is currently in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for allegedly causing financial loss to the state. His arrest and subsequent detention have sparked nationwide protests by NPP members and heightened political tensions.
In an exclusive interview with JoyNews on Friday, May 30, Appiah-Kubi emphasized,
“I beg you, all of you; I will stay out of the politics and the theatrics and I’ll do the work within the law.”
The lawyer confirmed that he and his team had successfully met the GH₵50 million bail requirement with two sureties, stating,
“We have been able to provide the sureties; that one I can assure you.”
However, despite clearing the bail conditions, Chairman Wontumi will remain in detention over the weekend due to a new legal complication.
“We encountered a challenge… a legal challenge unknown to me; there was an application… that prohibits us,” Appiah-Kubi revealed, adding that this unexpected development—“not filed by my good self”—will be addressed in court on Monday.
He also thanked Hon. Bryan Acheampong for assisting in filing the necessary property documentation, assuring that the value of the submitted assets exceeded the amount required.
The arrest has triggered two days of protests by NPP supporters, including a dramatic sit-in at EOCO’s head office in Accra, led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. The protestors condemned the bail conditions as “unreasonable” and politically motivated.
Some even followed rumours to the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) in an attempt to track Wontumi’s whereabouts, believing he had been transferred there.
Appiah-Kubi, a senior NPP figure and former MP for Asante Akim North, distanced himself from the demonstrations, saying:
“You don’t start throwing stones when you want to enter the house… It depends on how you conduct the business.”
Meanwhile, former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia expressed frustration over the inability to meet Wontumi, and MP Frank Annoh-Dompreh alleged that the detained chairman had gone on a hunger strike.
Appiah-Kubi denied this, clarifying:
“Two days ago in the evening, I had dinner with him. I’m going to see him now at EOCO. After that, he will respond whether this happened today or yesterday.”
He assured the public that Wontumi is receiving medical attention and remains in good health.
Looking ahead, Appiah-Kubi remains optimistic that Monday could bring freedom for Chairman Wontumi, once the newly emerged legal roadblock is addressed.