Chairman Wontumi's Arrest: Vincent Assafuah Threatens GH₵1 Billion Bail Term If NPP Returns To Power

• Vincent Assafuah, in an interview, criticised Chairman Wontumi's GH₵50 million bail conditions
• The Old Tafo MP warned the NDC that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) might set a GH¢1 billion bail for officials arrested when they return to power
• Vincent Assafuah also criticised the EOCO acting Executive Director, Raymond Archer over alleged disrespect towards Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

The Member of Parliament for the Old Tafo constituency, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has expressed his frustrations with the bail terms set for Chairman Wontumi following his arrest and detention by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

In an interview with Kumasi-based radio station Hello FM on Saturday, May 31, 2025, the MP warned the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government over their alleged treatment of the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman.

Honourable Vincent Assafuah warned the NDC that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) might set a GH¢1 billion bail for officials arrested when they return to power.

Read also

Wontumi TV presenter gets into heated exchange with NDC serial caller over Chairman Wontumi's arrest

He stated that even if it takes his party 20 years to return to power, they will retaliate, emphasising that they are still young and closely observing everything happening to Chairman Wontumi.

He said:

"Any time the NPP comes to power, even if it takes 20 years. We are young people and we are seeing what is happening. If they don't take care, we will grant GH¢1 billion bail conditions when we arrest somebody, because that is the law."

"Why are we turning our country into an undemocratic country from where we came? We behave like this country belongs to somebody. Power is transient. The NDC should be watchful."

Vincent Ekow Assafuah also criticised the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and its acting Executive Director, Raymond Archer, for allegedly disrespecting former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia during his visit to see and settle Chairman Wontumi's bail conditions at their headquarters on Friday, May 30, 2025.

Read also

Chairman Wontumi remains in custody even though he met bail conditions

Chairman Wontumi's arrest and bail terms saga

On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Chairman Wontumi was arrested by EOCO operatives to assist with ongoing investigations after he visited the Criminal Investigations Department at the Police Headquarters in Accra for questioning.

He was nabbed by the security operatives over allegations of fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes.

The NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman was subsequently detained, sparking massive protests from his party members, who converged at the entrance of the EOCO headquarters to demand his release.

He was granted bail on Tuesday, May 27, to the tune of GH₵50 million with two sureties, both to be justified.

On Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem Sai, announced that EOCO was working with international law enforcement partners on a second strand of criminal investigations concerning Wontumi.

The politician was later transferred to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) headquarters, where former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia visited on Friday, May 30, 2025, in an attempt to settle the bail conditions and secure his release.

Read also

Wontumi's Arrest: NPP supporters beg Alhaji Masawudu Osman to ensure NPP Chairman's release

However, the former Vice President was allegedly prevented from seeing Chairman Wontumi and was unsuccessful in his attempt to get him released.

The NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman's lead counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, later confirmed that former Agric Minister and Abetifi MP Bryan Acheampong had secured his client's bail. However, they were unable to secure his release due to a motion filed by Marfo & Associates at the High Court in Accra.

Watch the video below:

Dormaahene addresses Wontumi's arrest and Afenyo-Markin

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the Dormaahene addressed Chairman Wontumi's arrest during President John Dramani Mahama's 'Thank You' tour.

Osaagyefo Oseadeyo Nana Agyemang Badu II called on the president and his government to follow the due process in their case against the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman.

The Dormaahene also advised the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin over his approach to dealing with Chairman Wontumi's arrest and detention.

Source: YEN.com.gh