NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako pulled back his court case Monday. People call him Chairman Wontumi and he wanted judges to lower his 50 million Ghana cedi bail amount. His lawyers said the money was far too much for anyone to pay. EOCO set the bail after arresting him for fraud and money laundering charges. He stayed locked up since May 28 when police took him into custody.
Officials say Wontumi worked with international crime groups to steal government money. EOCO investigators found evidence linking him to foreign business partners who helped move illegal cash across borders. The Deputy Attorney General told reporters that more charges might come from ongoing investigations. Wontumi runs political operations for NPP across the Ashanti Region which votes heavily for his party. His arrest creates problems for NPP leaders preparing for December elections.
Legal experts think Wontumi withdrew his bail request to negotiate better deals with prosecutors. The move might help him avoid more embarrassing court hearings that would damage his reputation. His lawyers have not explained why they pulled the case from Accra High Court. Party officials refuse to comment about their regional chairman staying behind bars. EOCO continues building cases against the political figure.
Officials say Wontumi worked with international crime groups to steal government money. EOCO investigators found evidence linking him to foreign business partners who helped move illegal cash across borders. The Deputy Attorney General told reporters that more charges might come from ongoing investigations. Wontumi runs political operations for NPP across the Ashanti Region which votes heavily for his party. His arrest creates problems for NPP leaders preparing for December elections.
Legal experts think Wontumi withdrew his bail request to negotiate better deals with prosecutors. The move might help him avoid more embarrassing court hearings that would damage his reputation. His lawyers have not explained why they pulled the case from Accra High Court. Party officials refuse to comment about their regional chairman staying behind bars. EOCO continues building cases against the political figure.
