EOCO can’t be faulted for arresting Wontumi

Andy Appiah-Kubi, legal counsel for embattled Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako—popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—says the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) acted lawfully in arresting his client.

Wontumi was picked up by EOCO on Tuesday, shortly after being interrogated by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service in Accra.

His arrest has stirred criticism from within the NPP, but Appiah-Kubi maintains that EOCO was simply exercising its legal mandate.

“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the EOCO investigation,” Appiah-Kubi said in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem on Thursday.

“Both CID and EOCO have the constitutional authority to investigate. When we went, he answered all the questions asked, and we are cooperating fully.”

Chairman Wontumi remains in custody after failing to meet bail conditions set at GH₵50 million with two justified sureties.

Reports also indicate he is unwell.

Although EOCO has yet to release official details on the charges, sources suggest the investigation is linked to financial transactions involving the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.

Appiah-Kubi explained that the issues under EOCO’s probe may differ from those CID looked into.

On the matter of bail, the lawyer confirmed that efforts are underway to meet the conditions. “We’ve had several individuals step forward to support the bail process. We’re now waiting for them to present the necessary documents for verification,” he said.

Appiah-Kubi also emphasized their willingness to continue cooperating with investigators, assuring that his client is available for any further inquiries.