GH¢50 million bail conditions set for Wontumi unreasonable

Private legal practitioner and political commentator, Nana Obiri Boahen, has raised concerns over the bail terms imposed on Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Wontumi was granted bail in the amount of GH¢50 million, with two sureties to be justified by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO)—terms his legal team has previously described as burdensome.

Describing the conditions as "excessive and onerous," Obiri Boahen argued that the bail terms are beyond what any average Ghanaian can reasonably meet.

"The bail conditions set for Wontumi are unreasonable and seem designed to keep him in custody rather than ensure his availability for investigation.

"We urge EOCO to reconsider these conditions and ensure that justice is served fairly," he said during an appearance on Wontumi TV.

Chairman Wontumi is currently under investigation for a range of serious offences, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.

According to Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai, the probe also includes asset-tracing operations aimed at recovering suspected proceeds of crime and preventing further dissipation of such assets.

Obiri Boahen’s comments add to growing public debate over the fairness and intent of the bail conditions set by EOCO.