The Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem Sai has explained why the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernanrd Antwi Bosiako, alias Chairman Wontumi was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
His explanation is contained in a post on his Facebook page on May 29.
“Suspect BERNARD ANTWI BOASIAKO, a.k.a. Chairman Wontumi, is under investigation for various criminal offences (including fraud, causing financial loss to the State, and money laundering),” he wrote.
Dr Srem Sai added that, “The criminal investigation is running concurrently with asset recovery processes – to prevent further dissipation of what law enforcement agencies strongly suspect to be proceeds of crime.
The suspect is also under a second strand of investigation which is part of a lager international organised crime scheme. The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is assiduously working with our international law enforcement partners on this second strand of criminal investigations.”
Meanwhile, the Minority leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, has asked the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to immediately revoke the 50 million Cedis bail imposed on Chairman Wontumi.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on May 29, he said the bail condition is just to punish him.
There was near drama as the first deputy speaker, who was in the chair, drew the Minority Leader’s attention to orders 93 and 67 of Parliament’s Standing Orders.
But the minority members rose to their feet, chanting and singing portions of the national anthem.
The Speaker finally granted him (the Minority Leader) leave to raise his concerns. Afenyo Markin stressed the need for the rule of law to be enforced, noting Chairman Wontumi is unwell and has been sent to the NIB clinic.
He said the move by EOCO is just to punish the Ashanti regional NPP chairman. “It’s clear the 50 million cedis is to punish him.” He emphasised the need for the rule of law and due process to be followed.
He wants EOCO to revoke the 50 million cedis bail condition slapped on Wontumi, or his side would protest by absenting themselves from proceedings. “Eoco must, without delay revoke the bail condition.”
After his submission, the first deputy speaker gave his ruling, indicating parliament cannot help in this matter as it cannot tell EOCO what to do.
The Minority then walked out, and the house subsequently adjourned sitting.
Upon walking out of the chamber, the Minority members continued to the premises of EOCO where they sat on the floor in protest of the bail condition.
