Accra: The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) did not violate any human rights laws in the arrest and detention of Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Mr. Joseph Whittal, Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), stated that the agency acted within its legal mandate and committed no offence.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, was arrested and detained by EOCO on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, and released on Monday, June 2, 2025, after meeting his bail conditions of GHS50 million with two sureties. Though EOCO is yet to formally charge him, the Office of the Attorney-General has indicated that he is under investigation for various offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.
Speaking to the media in Accra on Tuesday, Mr. Whittal affirmed that EOCO acted lawfully and did not infringe on the rights of Mr. Boasiako. He noted that EOCO, with powers akin to the police, had followed due administrative process. The delay in Mr. Boasiako's release, he explained, was due to the conditions of bail rather than any procedural misconduct.
Mr. Whittal addressed public concerns regarding the substantial bail amount, suggesting it was likely set based on the severity of potential charges. He emphasized that the gravity of the charges would determine the bail size and assured that EOCO had adhered to legal standards.
Expressing concern over public gatherings at security agencies during high-profile arrests, Mr. Whittal urged Ghanaians to allow due process to unfold without interference. He highlighted the necessity for maintaining order and respecting constitutional processes during such investigations.