A powerful reminder from law professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua has stirred renewed conversation about how political figures in Ghana handle legal matters involving their own.
His central message? The law doesn’t bend for political colours. “The law is no respecter of persons. It must apply to everyone, regardless of political party or position,” he said during a weekend panel discussion on Channel One TV.
His comments followed the public drama surrounding the GH¢50 million bail condition slapped on Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Instead of following the usual legal procedures—such as applying to the High Court for a review of the bail conditions—the NPP took to the streets, with some of its Members of Parliament storming the premises of the police and EOCO in protest. For Professor Appiagyei-Atua, that move was not only unnecessary but damaging.
“Given the nature of the allegations, the GH¢50 million bail condition does not strike me as excessive. Legally, EOCO acted within their authority,” he said. “If the bail terms are thought to be too stringent, the proper legal step is to apply to the High Court for a variation.”
According to him, the NPP—particularly its MPs, many of whom are legal practitioners—should have known better.
“The MPs are familiar with legal procedures and have followed them before. Opting for this extralegal approach suggests an intention to politicise the matter.”
Professor Appiagyei-Atua didn’t stop there. He suggested the actions may be part of a broader struggle by the NPP to adjust to life in opposition, especially with influential figures like Chairman Wontumi now caught in legal battles.
