Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer for the 2024 elections, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed deep concern over the arrest and continued detention of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Wontumi, who serves as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, was reportedly picked up by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Tuesday. According to sources, he remains in custody as of Wednesday, with little public clarity on the specific charges against him.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Dr Bawumia stated, “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.”

Dr Bawumia stated that his remarks underscore a growing unease within the party and among civil society over the perceived lack of transparency in the matter.

Dr Bawumia emphasised that justice and constitutional rights must apply to all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.

“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,” he wrote, adding that he had been in contact with Wontumi’s legal team to ensure that due process is respected.

He commended the legal team for their “professionalism and vigilance” in safeguarding the rights of the detained chairman.

Calling for institutional accountability, the NPP flagbearer urged EOCO and other state bodies to act lawfully and transparently.

“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,” he noted.

“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,” he concluded.