After spending five nights in detention, Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been released by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following his fulfillment of stringent bail conditions.
The famous politician, who is at the center of a broad criminal investigation, was granted bail days earlier but remained in custody until he secured the required GH¢50 million bond with two sureties, both of whom had to be justified.
Chairman Wontumi is currently under scrutiny for a range of serious allegations, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. His release does not end the probe, he is expected to assist investigators from home and present himself when required, according to a report.
The saga began when the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service invited Boasiako for questioning related to illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey. He had previously been cautioned over allegations involving unlicensed mining, environmental degradation, and encroachment on protected forest areas.
Following his appearance at the CID, EOCO agents detained him and transferred him to their headquarters for further interrogation on potentially related criminal matters.
In a post dated May 29, Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, stated publicly that: “Chairman Wontumi was under investigation for multiple criminal offences including fraud, money laundering and causing financial loss to the state.”
He further revealed that asset recovery measures were underway to prevent the dissipation of any suspected illicit gains.
Significantly, the Deputy A-G hinted at a second layer of inquiry, one that could tie Chairman Wontumi to a broader international organised crime network. According to him, EOCO is now collaborating with global law enforcement partners as part of this extended investigation.
As the legal drama unfolds, Chairman Wontumi’s political and business interests will likely come under increasing scrutiny in what could evolve into one of Ghana’s most high-profile corruption probes in recent memory.
