The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) five days after securing bail.
Chairman Wontumi is under investigation for multiple suspected offences, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
His release comes after his legal team was able to meet the GHS50 million bail condition set by the investigative body.
With his release, Chairman Wontumi will now assist with the ongoing investigations from home and is expected to make himself available as needed.
Background
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service invited Mr. Boasiako on Tuesday, May 26, 2025, to assist with ongoing investigations related to alleged illegal mining (galamsey) activities.
He had previously been cautioned about accusations of mining without a license, which included pollution of water bodies and encroachment on forest reserves. After attending the CID’s invitation, he was subsequently taken by officials from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to their headquarters for further questioning, reportedly concerning related issues.
On Thursday, May 29, the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, stated that Chairman Wontumi was being investigated for multiple criminal offences, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
According to the Deputy Attorney-General, the ongoing criminal investigation is running concurrently with asset recovery efforts to prevent the suspected proceeds of crime from being dissipated.
He also hinted at a second strand of investigations involving Chairman Wontumi’s alleged role in a larger international organised crime scheme.
EOCO is said to be collaborating closely with international law enforcement partners in this regard.