GH₵ 50m bail shows EOCO has no intention to grant Wontumi bail – Anyimadu-Antwi

Member of Parliament for Asante Akim Central, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, has strongly criticised the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for what he describes as an “unreasonable” bail condition imposed on New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi.

Speaking to JoyNews during a walkout and protest at the EOCO premises on Thursday, the MP expressed outrage over the GH₵ 50 million bail demand.

He claimed that the bail condition is a deliberate move to keep Chairman Wontumi in custody.

“Is that reasonable for an investigative body to insist on a property worth GH₵50 million before granting him bail?” he questioned. “Have they even completed their investigations? What’s the purpose of asking for that amount? It’s so unreasonable — that’s why we’re here.”

“It is unreasonable for them to say GH₵50 million. It is a clear indication that they don’t want to grant him bail,” he indicated.

The lawmaker argued that EOCO could have taken less excessive measures if their aim was simply to ensure Wontumi remained in the country.

“They’ve already frozen his accounts. If they want, they can seize his passport too. He’s not going anywhere — what matters is ensuring he stays and goes through due process.”

Mr Anyimadu-Antwi also dismissed suggestions that the bail condition could be legally challenged in court, stating, “We are citizens. We have the right to protest — and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Chairman Wontumi was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Tuesday, May 27, after reporting to the CID for questioning.

His lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, confirmed he is being investigated for allegedly causing financial loss to the state. He was granted bail of GH₵ 50 million with two justified sureties but remained in custody after failing to meet the conditions.

On May 29, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin announced a parliamentary boycott by the Minority, demanding a review of what he described as excessively harsh bail conditions and the immediate release of Wontumi.

Source: MyJoyOnline