The Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem Sai, has confirmed that Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), is under investigation for a series of serious criminal offences.
In a statement released on social media on Thursday, May 29, 2025, Justice Sai disclosed that Wontumi is facing allegations including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering. He has been in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) since Tuesday, May 27.
According to the Deputy Attorney General, the investigation extends beyond local offences. Wontumi is also implicated in a broader international organised crime operation, with EOCO working in collaboration with international law enforcement partners to unravel the complex network of suspected criminal activity.
“Suspect BERNARD ANTWI BOASIAKO, a.k.a. Chairman Wontumi, is under investigation for various criminal offences including fraud, causing financial loss to the State, and money laundering,” Justice Sai stated.
He further noted that asset recovery processes are underway concurrently with the criminal investigation to prevent the dissipation of assets suspected to be proceeds of crime.
“The suspect is also under a second strand of investigation, which forms part of a larger international organised crime scheme,” he added.
EOCO’s international collaboration, according to Justice Sai, highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the global dimensions of the case.
Chairman Wontumi was detained after reporting to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra, following an invitation. His arrest on May 27 came after a failed attempt to apprehend him on May 23.
While the Deputy Attorney General’s statement emphasized allegations related to financial crimes and international links, Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, told the media that the ongoing EOCO interrogation mainly pertains to his client’s dealings with Exim Bank. He also revealed that Wontumi has been served with a writ of summons by the bank.
Following a strenuous interrogation session on Tuesday, Wontumi reportedly fell ill and was hospitalized. He was granted bail by EOCO on Wednesday, May 28, in the sum of GH₵50 million. However, he remains in custody after failing to meet the bail conditions.
