The Lead Counsel for Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has confirmed that his client is expected to be released today, October 10, after meeting all bail conditions.
According to the lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, the only outstanding requirement, the transfer of Wontumi’s passport from the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to the court registrar, is being finalized.
“We have met all the bail conditions, except a transfer of his passport from EOCO to the registrar of the court. The officials at EOCO promised to deliver them tomorrow. So, God willing, by tomorrow morning, we’ll be able to secure the release of Chairman Wontumi,” Mr. Appiah-Kubi said in an interview on Ghana Tonight on Thursday.
He emphasized that barring any last-minute hitches, his client will regain his freedom today.
Touching on the broader issue of bail procedures, Mr. Appiah-Kubi reiterated concerns about the delays and costs associated with meeting court bail conditions, describing them as punitive.
“When someone has not been found guilty, they are entitled to freedom. But the verification and valuation of properties for bail can take several days, delaying release and imposing unnecessary financial burdens,” he said.
He argued that the system should be reviewed to prevent accused persons from suffering prolonged detention or incurring excessive costs while securing bail.
Chairman Wontumi was granted bail set at GH₵20 million with justification, but his lawyer maintains that the process of verification and property evaluation has made the release process “laborious and costly.”
