I’m disappointed we were unable to see Wontumi – Bawumia – GhArticles.com

Former Vice President and 2024 NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has voiced his disappointment after he and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin were unable to meet with NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, at the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) headquarters in Accra.

Wontumi, currently at the center of a criminal investigation led by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), was transferred to the NIB following his initial arrest by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on May 27.

Although permission was granted for Bawumia and Afenyo-Markin to enter the NIB premises on Friday, May 30, they were unable to see Wontumi due to what officials described as logistical challenges caused by the large crowd outside the facility.

“We are very disappointed in our inability to see him because we had made prior arrangement,” Bawumia told the media, adding that efforts to meet the GHS50 million bail conditions—requiring two justified sureties—were still ongoing.

The attempted visit was part of ongoing solidarity efforts by the NPP leadership, as numerous party officials, MPs, and supporters gathered at the NIB to show support for Wontumi.

The situation has stirred significant political controversy. On May 29, Minority MPs staged a protest march from Parliament to EOCO headquarters, demanding Wontumi’s immediate release. The demonstration caused major traffic disruptions in Accra and drew a strong police response. The MPs ended their boycott and returned to Parliament the following day.

Meanwhile, Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai confirmed that Wontumi is being investigated for multiple serious offences, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. EOCO is reportedly leading the investigation, with asset recovery measures already in progress.