Chairman Wontumi was hospitalised following his detention; his attorney said that questioning has been suspended.

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the legal representative for the beleaguered Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has verified that his client has been admitted to the hospital.

This followed his apprehension and questioning by state security personnel.

Andy Appiah-Kubi, a lawyer and NPP Member of Parliament, told reporters following hours of police and court hearings that Wontumi became ill during the interview process and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

He revealed, “My client has been taken to the hospital for medical treatment.”
We will return to resume the interview if his condition improves, which should happen tomorrow. If not, he will stay there until the physicians release him.

The abrupt change in circumstances comes after Chairman Wontumi was arrested under what NPP leaders have called “intimidating” conditions.

Party officials claim that Wontumi had first accepted a police invitation and was answering questions at the CID headquarters when he was abruptly taken away by heavily armed, masked officers and taken into custody pending additional investigation.

Mr. Appiah-Kubi stated that the police had “preferred some allegations” against his client, to which he had already replied, even if the specifics of the accusations against him are still unknown.

But because of his failing health, the interrogation was cut short.
A civil law element was added to the drama that was developing when Mr. Appiah-Kubi disclosed that Wontumi had received a writ of summons from Exim Bank earlier in the day.

He affirmed, “We are going to respond to the pleadings tomorrow. We also received a writ of summons from Exim Bank this afternoon.”

“We have a lot of hope that we can put up a defence.”

He was eager to make a distinction between the criminal and civil aspects of the current case.
He stated, “This is part of a supposedly criminal investigation, but I am sure we can mount a defence.”

“We will address the Exim Bank issue in court because we view it as a civil matter.”

A politically volatile issue that has already provoked heated emotions from inside the NPP is further heightened by Chairman Wontumi’s illness.

The arrest has been condemned by a number of party leaders, including National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, as politically motivated and evoking memories of “dark days” of political harassment.

Mr. Appiah-Kubi emphasised that the NPP will not be intimidated into being silent and will continue to participate in the process while the party awaits additional information regarding Wontumi’s health and legal situation.
“We’re working together. “We support the rule of law,” he said.

As circumstances develop, the party said it will release further information.