Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has reacted to Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi's arrest and detention by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
In a statement on May 28, 2025, Bawumia said he is ''deeply concerned about the arrest and continued detention of Wontumi."
He described the situation as troubling, noting that the charges against the NPP's Ashanti Regional Chairman remain unclear while his exact whereabouts are still unknown.
“In a democratic environment as ours, no individual is above the law,” Dr Bawumia stated. “Equally, no Ghanaian—regardless of political affiliation or status—should ever be denied their constitutional rights.”
His remark follows the arrest and detention of Wontumi on Tuesday by EOCO.
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The arrest occurred shortly after he left the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra on Tuesday.
He had earlier been granted bail after being cautioned by the police for allegedly engaging in mining operations without a licence in a forest reserve.
Below is the full statement
''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.
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.
I have been in constant touch with Mr. Wontumi’s legal team since this morning to ensure that his rights are protected and that due process is followed. I commend them for their professionalism and vigilance.
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.
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.''