Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako—popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—has been granted bail by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following several hours of interrogation in Accra.
According to his lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, Wontumi was released on police enquiry bail set at GH¢50 million, with two sureties required—both to be justified. The bail serves as a temporary release as investigations continue into allegations of causing financial loss to the state.
Wontumi was initially invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities. The accusations include operating without a license and causing damage to water bodies and forest reserves. After cooperating with the CID, he was reportedly taken into custody by EOCO officials for further questioning.
His lawyer confirmed that Wontumi is complying with the conditions of the bail. He is also reported to have fallen ill during the extended interrogation session.
Meanwhile, Wontumi’s brother, Oheneba Antwi Boasiako, has criticised the manner of the arrest, describing it as unnecessarily dramatic. In a statement recounting the incident, he noted that they had just concluded a brief meeting with CID officials around 3 p.m. when they were confronted by heavily armed men in about five vehicles.
“They said they had been directed to take Chairman Wontumi to their office,” he said. Oheneba expressed disappointment in the way EOCO officers handled the situation, claiming their conduct lacked basic courtesy and disregarded his brother’s rights.
The case remains under investigation as both the CID and EOCO continue their probe into the alleged illegal activities.
“I wanted to go in there with my brother because I don’t know where they were taking him, but they denied me access.”
Credit: Mynewsgh
