There was further tension about the detention of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Wontumi on Friday, May 30, after he was transferred to the NIB headquarters in Accra.
Only a few days after being arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on May 27 for alleged fraud, money laundering and financial crimes, he was moved abroad. Wontumi was given bail for GH₵50 million with two sureties, but he is still in jail because his team secured only one justified surety.
As soon as his location was revealed, lots of NPP supporters and senior members joined him there. A crowd made up of people on buses from EOCO’s office prevented access to the NIB, protesting in favour of Wontumi’s release.
The police were called to the scene to restore order since chanting crowds were clashing with officers who were keeping security. People and some Members of Parliament were blocked from entering the NIB facility because the entrance was closed.
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Party sources say Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is at the forefront of trying to secure Wontumi’s release. His participation indicates that the case is very important politically.
The political drama also found its way into Parliament as well. The group of NPP MPs returned to parliament today after they skipped the meeting yesterday to support Wontumi.
Their coming back home quickly was heavily criticized and mocked by Bolgatanga Central MP Isaac Adongo, who thought they had given up quickly.
Wontumi’s ongoing imprisonment as protests continue is fuelling the NPP, while his legal woes may make internal rifts worse and draw extra public attention.
Things are still evolving, as both official figures and legal experts keep working behind the scenes to fix the problem.
