Accra, May 28, 2025 — The 2024 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has raised serious concerns over the arrest and continued detention of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
In a strongly worded statement released Tuesday, Dr. Bawumia questioned the circumstances surrounding Mr. Antwi-Boasiako’s arrest, describing the charges as “vague” and expressing alarm that his current location remains unknown.
“I am deeply concerned about the arrest and continued detention of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Wontumi), particularly as the charges remain vague, and his whereabouts remain unknown,” Bawumia stated.
While reaffirming his belief in the rule of law, Bawumia emphasized that the constitutional rights of every Ghanaian must be protected, irrespective of their political affiliation or status.
“In a democratic environment as ours, no individual is above the law. Equally, no Ghanaian, regardless of political affiliation or status—should ever be denied their constitutional rights. Justice and due process are not optional; they are the foundation of our democracy,” he said.
Dr. Bawumia disclosed that he has been in communication with Wontumi’s legal team since Tuesday morning and commended them for their vigilance in ensuring that due process is observed.
“I commend them for their professionalism and vigilance,” he added.
The former Vice President called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and other state institutions involved in the matter to operate strictly within the confines of the law.
“I also urge the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and all relevant state institutions to act strictly within the bounds of the law and to respect the rights of Mr. Wontumi as guaranteed by our Constitution.” Any deviation from these principles risks undermining public trust in our justice system and weakening the democratic values we have worked hard to build,” he warned.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to democratic governance and the rule of law, insisting that the strength of Ghana’s Republic lies in the fairness and firmness of its institutions.
“Ghana must always remain a nation governed by law—not by arbitrary power. Our Republic is strongest when our institutions are both firm and fair,” Bawumia stressed.
The circumstances of Mr. Antwi-Boasiako’s arrest remain unclear as of the time of filing this report, and calls for transparency continue to mount across political and civil society circles.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
