EOCO Defends Handling Of Wontumi Case, Dismisses Criticism As Exaggerated

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has defended its handling of the arrest and detention of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

EOCO’s Ashanti Regional Director, Edward Cudjoe, dismissed the backlash surrounding the case, insisting that critics are blowing the matter out of proportion. He emphasized that the agency has followed due legal process, particularly in granting bail.

Chairman Wontumi was arrested earlier this week and granted bail set at GH¢50 million, with two sureties required — both to be justified. While his legal team has secured one surety, they have yet to fulfill the second requirement, leaving him in custody.

The bail amount has drawn sharp criticism from several political figures, including former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who described it as excessive and unrealistic.

Dr. Bawumia argued that very few individuals in Ghana possess assets valued at GH¢50 million to meet such conditions.