By Vivian Amoah
In a development that has attracted significant political attention, former Vice President and 2024 NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, alongside Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, was unable to secure an audience with Bernard Antwi Boasiako, commonly known as Chairman Wontumi, at the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) headquarters in Accra.
Chairman Wontumi, recognized for his influential role as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), had reportedly been transferred to the NIB after his detention by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The detention forms part of an ongoing criminal investigation, the details of which continue to unfold, stirring both legal and political debates. Observers speculate that the investigation’s ramifications could extend into internal party dynamics, especially given Wontumi’s stature within the NPP.
According to reports, on Friday, May 30, Dr. Bawumia and Afenyo-Markin were granted permission to enter the security-controlled premises at Ridge. However, despite the official clearance allowing them entry, both political leaders were ultimately unable to engage with Chairman Wontumi. Dr. Bawumia confirmed the outcome shortly after leaving the facility, emphasizing that the anticipated meeting did not materialize.
The incident has raised pressing questions within political circles regarding the mechanisms of political oversight in cases involving high-profile party members. Critics and supporters alike are watching closely to see whether the handling of Wontumi’s case might have underlying political implications or whether it strictly adheres to legal protocol as mandated by the ongoing EOCO investigation.