Ghana must be governed by law, not arbitrary power – Bawumia on Wontumi’s arrest

The former Vice President and 2024 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has reacted to the arrest of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

In a Facebook post, Dr. Bawumia expressed deep concern over the arrest and continued detention of Chairman Wontumi, particularly as the charges against him remain unclear and his whereabouts are unknown.

“I am deeply concerned about the arrest and continued detention of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Wontumi), particularly as the charges remain vague, and his whereabouts remain unknown,” Dr. Bawumia wrote.

He emphasized that in a democratic society like Ghana, no one is above the law—but also insisted that no Ghanaian, regardless of political affiliation or status, should be denied their constitutional rights.

He said, “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 commended the legal team for their professionalism and vigilance, and called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and other relevant institutions to act strictly within the confines of the law.

“I have been in constant touch with Mr. Wontumi’s legal team since this morning to ensure that his rights are protected and that due process is followed. I commend them for their professionalism and vigilance.’

“I also urge the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and all relevant state institutions to act strictly within the bounds of the law and to respect the rights of Mr. Wontumi as guaranteed by our Constitution. Any deviation from these principles risks undermining public trust in our justice system and weakening the democratic values we have worked hard to build.”

“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.”

Chairman Wontumi was recently invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and later picked up by EOCO for questioning over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.

His arrest has sparked protests from party supporters and officials, resulting in a heightened military presence at EOCO’s premises.

Several leading NPP figures, including National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye and former Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover, have described the arrest as heavy-handed and politically motivated, accusing EOCO and the government of engaging in political harassment.