Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has urged the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to respect the constitutional rights of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), following his arrest on Tuesday.

In a statement posted on Facebook today, May 28, 2025, Dr Bawumia said he was “deeply concerned” about the detention of Mr Antwi-Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi, especially as the charges remained unclear and his whereabouts had not been disclosed.

“No Ghanaian, regardless of political affiliation or status, should ever be denied their constitutional rights,” Dr Bawumia said, calling for justice and due process to be upheld.

Chairman Wontumi was picked up by EOCO officials on May 27 shortly after reporting to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra.

He had earlier been granted bail after being cautioned by the police for allegedly engaging in mining operations without a licence in a forest reserve.

According to Henry Nana Boakye, the NPP’s National Organiser, EOCO officials intercepted Mr Antwi-Boasiako’s vehicle as he left the CID premises and took him away.

As of Tuesday evening, his legal team had reportedly been denied access to him, and the basis for his arrest remained unclear.

Dr Bawumia said he had been in contact with the detained politician’s legal team to ensure his rights were protected.

He commended the team for their professionalism and called on EOCO and all other relevant institutions to act strictly within the law.

Mr Antwi-Boasiako had on Monday, May 26, reported to the CID Headquarters in the company of a legal team led by former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame.

He submitted a formal statement and was granted bail with instructions to return the following day for further questioning.

He has denied involvement in illegal mining and insisted that his operations have been conducted in accordance with the law.

Dr Bawumia warned that any deviation from due process risks undermining public confidence in Ghana’s justice system. “Our Republic is strongest when our institutions are both firm and fair,” he said.