Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has been released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), following the successful execution of his bail conditions—five days after the bail was initially granted.
Chairman Wontumi had been held in custody pending the fulfilment of stringent bail requirements, which included a GH¢50 million bond with two sureties to be justified. His release now allows him to support the ongoing investigations from outside custody, with the expectation that he will report to EOCO as required.
Ongoing Investigations
Wontumi is currently under investigation for a series of serious criminal allegations, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. These investigations are being conducted by EOCO in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service and other relevant agencies.
The case took a significant turn when EOCO took custody of Wontumi shortly after he honored an earlier invitation from the CID. He had been summoned to assist with investigations concerning illegal mining operations—specifically, allegations of mining without a licence, pollution of water bodies, and encroachment on protected forest reserves.
After responding to the CID’s invitation, he was transferred to EOCO headquarters for further interrogation, where the scope of the inquiry widened to include suspected financial crimes.
International Dimensions
Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, confirmed via social media that Chairman Wontumi is at the center of an extensive criminal probe that includes not only local infractions but also suspected links to a broader international organized crime network. Dr. Srem-Sai further revealed that the criminal investigations are running parallel to asset recovery efforts to prevent the suspected proceeds of crime from being hidden or lost.
In this regard, EOCO is said to be collaborating with international law enforcement agencies to track financial flows and uncover possible international connections to the alleged crimes.
Legal and Political Implications
Chairman Wontumi’s case has sparked widespread public and political discourse, especially within the context of Ghana’s efforts to combat illegal mining and financial crimes. The delay in executing his bail sparked protests and public statements from members of the NPP and other political figures, some of whom described the bail conditions as overly harsh.
Now that he has been released, legal analysts and political commentators alike are closely watching how the investigation unfolds. While his release from custody marks a temporary relief, the gravity of the charges under investigation means that the case is far from over.
Chairman Wontumi is now expected to comply fully with EOCO’s directives as the probe continues, with possible legal proceedings on the horizon depending on the outcome of the investigation.
This high-profile case highlights Ghana’s ongoing efforts to ensure accountability at all levels of leadership and intensifies the focus on tackling financial and environmental crimes across the country.
