Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has charged the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and other security agencies involved in the arrest of the New Patriotic Party (NPP's) Ashanti Regional Minister, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to uphold his constitutional rights.

Wontumi was arrested and detained on Tuesday, May 27, while he was returning from the CID office in response to an invitation for interrogations on allegations of his company's illegal mining activities, which he has blatantly denied.

Reacting to this, the former vice president and flagbearer of the NPP in the 2024 elections, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 28 expressed worry about the continued detention of Chairman Wontumi, without clear charges confirming information regarding his whereabouts.

He acknowledged the rule of law, however, emphasizing the need to respect individual rights despite political affiliation, colour or status.

“In a democratic environment as ours, no individual is above the law. Equally, no Ghanaian, regardless of political affiliation or status—should ever be denied their constitutional rights. Justice and due process are not optional; they are the foundation of our democracy,” Dr Bawumia wrote.

His comments come amid growing public interest in the circumstances surrounding Chairman Wontumi’s arrest and the legal processes being followed.

He continued that he is closely keeping an eye on the happenings linked to Chairman Wontumi, by keeping in contact with Mr Wontumi’s legal team to ensure that all legal avenues are being pursued to safeguard and protect the rights of the party's Ashanti Regional Chairman.

“I commend them for their professionalism and vigilance,” he added.

Dr Bawumia further went on to caution government against any attempts to abuse Wontumi's rights or act contrary to the dictates of the law would erode public trust in Ghana’s justice system.

“Ghana must always remain a nation governed by law—not by arbitrary power. Our Republic is strongest when our institutions are both firm and fair,” he asserted, reinforcing his call for EOCO and all related bodies to operate within constitutional limits.

How it all started

The Ashanti Regional Chairman voluntarily made an appearance at the CID headquarters on Monday alongside his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame, after an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

He was cautioned on the following allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, entering a forest reserve without authorization, and pollution of water bodies.

However, according to sources, Chairman Wontumi denied these claims during his interrogation, presenting documents to authenticate his claims.

He insists he was not involved in any illegal mining activities or operating in any forest reserve.

Following the interrogations, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

This follows a failed attempt by a joint team of national security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on May 23. After the failed search attempt, Mr. Boasiako expressed his displeasure over the search.