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Security analyst, Nana Appiah Owusu has sharply criticized the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for what he describes as a violation of the constitutional rights of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following his continued detention despite being granted bail.
Speaking on Atinka TV News with Obaa Yaa Wusua, Nana Appiah Owusu, raised serious legal concerns about EOCO’s handling of the case. Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is currently under investigation for alleged fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.
According to Nana Appiah Owusu, Wontumi’s continued detention without a court-issued warrant breaches the legal requirement that any suspect must either be arraigned before court or released on bail within 48 hours of arrest. He explained that while EOCO had granted bail with a GH¢50 million condition, the suspect’s inability to meet the terms did not justify keeping him in custody indefinitely.
“It is only EOCO that can explain this harsh bail condition,” Mr. Owusu said. “Per the law, if a suspect cannot meet bail conditions, EOCO is required to take the person to court to determine whether the bail is too high or reasonable. It is the court’s discretion—not EOCO’s—to decide that.”
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He emphasized that if no valid court warrant is obtained beyond the 48-hour period, any further detention becomes unlawful. “Detaining a person beyond 48 hours without a warrant is a violation of human rights. It is illegal and unconstitutional,” he stated.
Mr. Owusu further warned that the state could face legal consequences if the matter is not handled properly.
“Wontumi can sue the state for unlawful detention. If anything happens to him while in custody, including death, his family also has the right to sue the state.”
He expressed hope that Wontumi’s legal team would swiftly act to file a motion in court challenging the bail conditions or seek his release.
The analyst concluded with a strong appeal for institutions to respect due process and uphold the rule of law.
“No matter how serious the allegations are, every Ghanaian deserves justice under the law. This kind of conduct must stop.”
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu