We’re Praying For Wontumi’s Freedom Today – Lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi

Andy Appiah-Kubi, legal counsel for embattled Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako — popularly known as Chairman Wontumi — has expressed hope that his client will regain his freedom today.

Chairman Wontumi was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, shortly after a visit to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra.

Although he was granted bail of GH₵50 million with two sureties on Wednesday, May 28, his legal team had not fully met the bail conditions as of that date, delaying his release.

Speaking to Joy News on June 1, Appiah-Kubi stated, “We pray to God that Wontumi is free tomorrow,” expressing optimism that his client would be released soon.

In a separate interview with Oyerepa TV/FM, the lawyer affirmed that Wontumi’s arrest and detention were within the bounds of the law. He clarified that EOCO acted on a valid arrest warrant.

“Let me explain, the type of arrest they made was an arrest under warrant. So, there was an arrest warrant for Chairman Wontumi… If there is anything wrong, it should be with the law itself, not the approach,” he said.

He further explained that under the EOCO Act, the Office has powers equivalent to that of the police, including the authority to arrest upon issuing a warrant.

“But the issue with the law is that the warrant should ideally be granted by a court, not by EOCO itself. The flaw lies in EOCO having the power to issue its own warrants,” Appiah-Kubi noted.

He added, “If the law required a court-issued warrant, the justification for such a warrant would be determined judicially. However, under the current law, EOCO has the discretion to arrest under its own authority.”

As a result, he explained, Wontumi’s arrest under a warrant means that the typical 48-hour rule for detention under the Criminal Procedure Code does not apply.

Wontumi’s Detention: We pray to God that Wontumi is free tomorrow – Andy Appiah-Kubi, Wontumi’s lawyer.#TheProbe pic.twitter.com/DSoVZd0qDi

— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) June 1, 2025

Source: Nkonkonsa.com