Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has urged the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to respect the constitutional rights of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Wontumi.

Wontumi was arrested by the EOCO yesterday, after he responded to an invitation by the Police CID, and so far, his whereabouts is unknown.

In a statement, Dr Bawumia acknowledged that ''no one is above the law" in a democratic set environment, but also added that no individual's right should be trampled upon, and thus, called for the rights of Wontumi to be respected.

He expressed concern over the continuous detention of Wontumi by EOCO without clear charges, as well as his whereabouts.

The former Vice President urged 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 the Constitution.

Below is the full statement by Dr. Bawumia:

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.