Lawyers for Wontumi should have sought bail variation in court-Augustine Obuor
By DL News
Published
2 min read
Mr. Obour, who is a former state prosecutor, argued in an interview on Joy FM’s News Night that instead of resorting to political pressure and public demonstrations, Wontumi’s lawyers and their political allies, including minority members o...
Criminal law practitioner and lecturer at the Ghana School of Law, Augustine Obour, has faulted the legal team representing NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, for their handling of the GH¢50 million bail condition imposed by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO).
Mr. Obour, who is a former state prosecutor, argued in an interview on Joy FM’s News Night that instead of resorting to political pressure and public demonstrations, Wontumi’s lawyers and their political allies, including minority members of Parliament, should have pursued legal remedies through the courts.
Bail Controversy and Legal Oversight
Wontumi, who is under investigation by EOCO for alleged fraud, money laundering, and links to international organized crime, was granted bail in the sum of GH¢50 million. However, he has remained in custody for over 48 hours due to his inability to meet the conditions.
Mr. Obour stressed that while EOCO has the authority to grant bail, if an accused person cannot fulfill the terms, the law mandates that the individual be presented before a court for a judge to determine reasonable conditions.
He maintained that Wontumi remains a suspect and has not yet been formally charged, making the matter ideal for court intervention rather than political lobbying.
Political Backlash and Public Protest
The bail condition has triggered outrage among NPP supporters and minority MPs, who have staged sit-ins at EOCO’s offices, demanding Wontumi’s release and calling the bail sum excessive and punitive.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin also weighed in, questioning the legal and moral basis for demanding properties worth GH¢50 million before granting bail, particularly in a case where the suspect has cooperated with authorities.
He further appealed to EOCO to consider Wontumi’s medical condition and revise the bail terms, insisting that the politician poses no flight risk.
Legal Pathway Ignored
Obour underscored that legal remedies were available from the outset and could have simplified the situation without escalating political tensions.
He concluded that relying on street protests rather than constitutional procedures weakens the rule of law and undermines legal institutions.
