The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has granted bail to Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), also known as Chairman Wontumi.
The bail is set at GH¢50 million and requires two sureties to be justified.
Mr. Boasiako’s lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, stated that his client was interrogated by EOCO on charges related to causing financial loss to the state.
The police inquiry bail allows Mr. Boasiako to be temporarily released from custody while investigations continue.
The bail was granted after Mr. Boasiako underwent several hours of interrogation at the EOCO head office in Accra last Tuesday. It is reported that he fell ill during the intense questioning.
According to Mr. Appiah Kubi, his client is actively cooperating with EOCO officers to fulfil the bail conditions.
Investigations
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service invited Mr. Boasiako on Tuesday to assist with ongoing investigations related to alleged illegal mining activities (known as galamsey).
He had previously been warned about accusations of mining without a license, which includes activities that are polluting water bodies and encroaching on forest reserves.
After responding to the CID’s invitation, he was later taken into custody by officials from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and transported to their headquarters for further questioning on related matters.
Reaction
The arrest triggered a swift response from numerous supporters of the NPP, including party leaders who protested at the EOCO premises, demanding the release of the detained individual.
Among those present were National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye and former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Titus Glover. In response to the situation, the military was deployed to maintain law and order at the EOCO office.