Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, Mr. Yandoh claimed Wontumi was left visibly traumatised after spending six days in EOCO custody.

“He was shaking and shivering. He couldn’t even sit properly when he was released. Chairman Wontumi has not even shared the full trauma he went through, but so many things have changed about him,” Yandoh said.

He further alleged that Wontumi went without food during his detention because he feared for his life.

“For six days, he didn’t eat. He told me he couldn’t eat because the person who brought him food had covered his face,” Yandoh added.

Mr. Yandoh claimed that EOCO officers kept the NPP regional chairman in a cramped space and treated him poorly, describing their conduct as “mafia tactics.”

“They wanted to kill him. They treated him like a criminal. But Chairman Wontumi is a genuine person, and he told them everything they wanted to know because he has nothing to hide,” he claimed.

According to Yandoh, despite the smiles Wontumi wore after his release, he was still suffering and forced himself to appear strong for the cameras.

“People thought he was okay because he smiled and waved. But I was close to him after his release, and I know what he was going through. He even raised one of his legs to show he was fine, but in truth, he was limping,” he recounted.

Chairman Wontumi was released from EOCO custody on bail after meeting conditions set at GH₵50 million with two sureties to be justified.

His arrest sparked strong criticism from within the NPP, with several party members describing the bail conditions as excessive and politically motivated.

Despite the ordeal, Yandoh said Wontumi remains ready to cooperate with any investigations. “He is innocent and has nothing to fear,” he said.

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Wontumi visits NPP headquarters after release

Mr. Yandoh has vowed to remain at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) premises until the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman is released.

The arrest occurred shortly after Wontumi left the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra on Tuesday.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Yandoh condemned the act, questioning the rationale behind it.

“I cannot leave the EOCO office when our Chairman has been arrested. What wrong has he committed? This is not right. What is happening in this country? Was it an election we went to or a coup d’état?” he questioned.

He lamented that Chairman Wontumi has been denied access to his legal team while in custody.

Mr. Yandoh called on all Ghanaians to rise and speak against what he described as an attack and abuse of NPP members.

“This is not right and we must speak against it. What has happened to the normal way of inviting or interrogating people?

“He reported to the CID office yesterday and was asked to return today, so if EOCO had any business with him, they should have invited him. It is Wontumi today, and who knows who will be next,” he stated.

Chairman Wontumi had earlier reported to the CID for further questioning over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities, including mining in forest reserves and entering protected areas without proper authorization.

ALSO READ:

• EOCO arrests Chairman Wontumi

• Wontumi has never done anything wrong – Paul Yandoh

Speaking at the Adom Brands’ national dialogue on ‘Defending Media Freedom’ in Kumasi, Mr Yandoh highlighted the need for collaboration between journalists and political parties.

He expressed concern about the difficult working conditions faced by many journalists, particularly in private media, commending their dedication despite low wages.

Mr Yandoh also praised the government’s passing of the Right to Information Bill, which had been pending for over 20 years, granting journalists the freedom to ask critical questions.

He further emphasized the NPP’s commitment to the freedom of journalists for the betterment of society.

“Press freedom is not just a right, but a responsibility. We all need to work together, not just political parties. As the communications director, I deal directly with the media houses, and what some journalists go through is appalling, especially in the private media houses with regard to their salaries and conditions of service. Yet, they always try to bring the stories to the people.

“I am particularly happy about the Right-To-Information Bill that has been in parliament for over 20 years but was passed by this government. Now journalists have the freedom to ask any form of question. I am happy my government did it. The NPP appreciates journalists; they are our friends, and there is no antagonization. We have to help journalists in helping change the society for the betterment of everyone,” he said.

Play the attached audio below:

Source: Adomonline

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