Chairman Wontumi granted GH¢50m bail after EOCO interrogation over financial loss and galamsey allegations

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has granted bail to Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, setting the amount at GH¢50 million with two sureties to be justified.

His lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, confirmed the development in an interview with Graphic Online’s Justice Agbenorsi in Accra. He revealed that his client is under investigation for allegedly causing financial loss to the state.

Wontumi was granted police enquiry bail, allowing for his temporary release while EOCO continues its probe. The decision followed an extended interrogation session at the EOCO headquarters in Accra last Tuesday, during which Mr Boasiako reportedly fell ill.

Mr Appiah Kubi noted that his client was cooperating with EOCO to satisfy the bail requirements.

Earlier that day, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service had summoned Wontumi to assist with a separate investigation into alleged illegal mining, or galamsey. He was previously cautioned over accusations of operating without a valid mining licence, contaminating water bodies, and encroaching on forest reserves.

After responding to the CID’s invitation, he was taken into custody by EOCO officers and transferred to their offices for further interrogation on what is believed to be related matters.

News of his arrest sparked an immediate outpouring of support from party loyalists and senior NPP figures, who gathered at the EOCO premises to demand his release. Among those present were NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye and former Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover.

In response to the swelling crowd, military personnel were deployed to the EOCO office to maintain order and ensure security.