Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, has criticised senior members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for allegedly politicising the detention of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, better known as Chairman Wontumi, the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Saturday, May 31, Kpebu claimed that some NPP leaders were using Wontumi’s situation to advance their own political agendas ahead of the 2028 elections.

“It appears the NPP is using Chairman Wontumi’s matter for a political campaign. That is very clear… The NPP needs to sanitise the situation; it doesn’t look tidy at all,” he asserted. The ongoing legal drama surrounding Wontumi has drawn considerable attention, with many observing the intense political undertones.

Wontumi is currently under investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over allegations of money laundering, fraud, and causing financial loss to the state.

He was arrested on May 27 and subsequently granted bail of GH¢50 million on May 28, secured with two justified sureties.

Although his legal team initially faced challenges meeting these conditions, his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed on May 30 that all requirements had now been fulfilled.

However, Wontumi’s release has been further delayed due to a new legal challenge, which has escalated political and legal tensions. Commenting on the delay, Appiah-Kubi stated, “We encountered some difficulties which will be sorted out on Monday, June 2. We will work towards the desired results. I will stay out of politics and the theatrics and do what is within the law.”

In response to the ongoing complications, Kpebu questioned the rationale behind Wontumi’s continued detention and called on the NPP to improve its internal coordination.

“The party must find a way to streamline its actions to prevent further confusion and public embarrassment,” he urged, highlighting the need for a more unified approach to managing the crisis.