The arrest and subsequent release on bail of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has injected a dose of uncertainty into the party’s preparations for the December 2024 general elections. Wontumi, a powerful figure within the NPP, particularly in the Ashanti Region, a traditional stronghold for the party, was apprehended by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on May 27, 2025, on allegations of fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. These allegations stem from what investigators describe as dubious business dealings related to government contracts and alleged misuse of public funds during his tenure as a regional party leader.
Wontumi’s arrest reverberated through the NPP, creating a wave of anxiety and sparking heated debate. While some party members advocated for a cautious approach, awaiting the outcome of the investigation, others demanded immediate clarification from the party leadership. The situation highlighted the delicate balance the party had to strike between supporting a key figure and upholding the principles of accountability and due process. The Ashanti Region, where Wontumi holds significant sway, is crucial for the NPP’s electoral success, and his legal woes threatened to disrupt the party’s carefully laid plans for the upcoming elections.
After spending several days in EOCO custody, Wontumi was granted bail on June 2, 2025, upon fulfilling the conditions of a GHS50,000 bond with two sureties. His legal team, while refraining from delving into the specifics of the allegations, has steadfastly maintained his innocence and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. This public stance aims to project an image of transparency and respect for the legal process, seeking to mitigate potential damage to Wontumi’s reputation and the party’s image.
Following his release, Wontumi made a highly publicized visit to the NPP national headquarters in Accra, where he was met with a show of support from party loyalists and high-ranking officials. This display of solidarity served as a powerful message, both internally and externally, reinforcing Wontumi’s importance within the party structure. Later that day, he met with former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Sources indicate that Dr. Bawumia, a potential presidential candidate for the NPP, expressed his support for due process and encouraged Wontumi to remain resolute throughout the legal proceedings. This meeting, strategically orchestrated, served to further consolidate support for Wontumi and demonstrate a united front within the party.
The timing of these events is particularly significant given the intensifying internal campaigns within the NPP as the December 2024 elections draw closer. The Ashanti Region, under Wontumi’s leadership, has consistently delivered significant votes for the NPP, and any disruption to his influence could potentially jeopardize the party’s electoral fortunes. The case against him, therefore, carries substantial political weight, as it could impact not only Wontumi’s personal future but also the broader dynamics within the NPP and its electoral strategy.
While EOCO remains tight-lipped about the progress of the investigation, sources suggest that the probe is far from over. Wontumi’s release on bail represents a temporary reprieve, not a final resolution. The cloud of uncertainty hanging over him continues to cast a shadow over the NPP, as the party navigates the complexities of internal campaigning while simultaneously dealing with the potential fallout from a high-profile corruption case involving one of its key figures. The coming months will be crucial, as both the legal and political ramifications of the case continue to unfold, potentially reshaping the political landscape within the NPP and beyond.
