EOCO justifies Wontumi’s detention approach, Labels critics as exaggerating
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has justified its approach concerning the arrest and custody of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Edward Cudjoe, EOCO’s Ashanti Regional Director, stated that critics are exaggerating the circumstances beyond reason, asserting that the agency carefully complied with statutory requirements when approving bail.
“I think that the institution has followed the laid down processes, and if you hear from the commentary, his legal representatives are telling you that due process has been followed. It’s only those who are on the other side who don’t know what is happening and are making noise,” he said.
Chairman Wontumi was taken into custody earlier this week and subsequently offered release on a GH¢50 million bail condition, with two sureties, both required to demonstrate financial solvency.
His legal team has, as of yesterday, successfully provided both sureties, satisfying the bail conditions.
EOCO’s bail figure has drawn comments from various political voices, including former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who characterized it as “onerous and unrealistic”.
Dr. Bawumia stated that few individuals in Ghana possess properties worth GH¢50 million to satisfy such bail conditions.
This development has incited demonstrations by NPP faithfuls and Members of Parliament. The Minority caucus on Thursday, May 29, exited Parliament en masse and proceeded to EOCO’s main office, calling for Wontumi’s release, arguing that the bail conditions are disproportionately severe and politically motivated.
Despite these public objections, EOCO has maintained that the bail terms fit the seriousness of the allegations leveled against Wontumi, including fraud, money laundering, and participation in international organized criminal activities.
The agency insists that any grievances regarding bail conditions must be resolved within in court, rather than through street protests.
By: Novire Kuuyizie Francis
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