Former Ashanti Regional Communication Officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Yandoh, has appealed for bail for former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, citing his alleged diabetic condition.
Mr. Yandoh urged the judiciary to grant Wontumi bail pending the determination of his appeal against a reported 20-year prison sentence, arguing that his health condition should be considered in deciding his bail application.
Speaking on Morning Point, Mr. Yandoh said Wontumi required access to his medication and appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to support efforts to ensure that the matter received the necessary consideration.
“Wontumi is a diabetic patient, and that is why I am pleading with President Mahama to allow the judges to grant him bail pending his appeal,” he said.
To support his claim, Yandoh recounted an incident in which he said he had possession of Wontumi’s diabetes medication when officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) arrested him.
“The other time EOCO officials arrested Wontumi, his diabetes medication was with me. I had to find a way to bring it to him. So, it is true that Wontumi is diabetic,” he said.
Paul Yandoh appealed to the judges handling the matter to exercise compassion in considering the bail request, stressing the importance of taking Wontumi’s reported health condition into account.
He also expressed hope that Wontumi’s legal team would present strong arguments in support of the application.
“I pray that God will grant the judges merciful hearts, give Wontumi’s lawyers superior wisdom and shut the mouth of the representative of the Attorney-General in the matter,” he said.
However, the decision on bail rests with the court, which must determine the application in accordance with the applicable legal requirements and the circumstances of the case.