Bernard Antwi Boasiako, better known to many as Chairman Wontumi, has been arrested and detained by Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal mining activities.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) was picked up on May 27, 2025, shortly after meeting with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra.
A Voluntary Visit That Took a Turn
Wontumi initially reported to the CID on May 26, apparently of his own accord, where he was formally cautioned and hit with a list of serious charges.
These included engaging in illegal mining, polluting local water bodies, and entering a protected forest reserve without authorization. According to his legal team, he fully cooperated and gave a statement. But just as he was leaving the CID headquarters, EOCO operatives stepped in and took him into custody.
Interrogation Cut Short as Health Concerns Arise
What was expected to be a standard round of questioning quickly took a dramatic turn. During EOCO’s interrogation, Wontumi reportedly became ill and had to be rushed to a hospital. His lawyers confirmed the questioning had to be put on hold until he's well enough to continue.
And as if that wasn’t enough, a civil writ of summons from Exim Bank was served on him during this period, adding yet another layer to his mounting legal troubles.
NPP Cries Foul: “This Is Political”
Unsurprisingly, the arrest has stirred up a storm within the NPP. Party leaders are calling it a politically motivated move, likening it to tactics from “darker times” meant to intimidate opposition voices.
Supporters and high-ranking officials swarmed EOCO’s premises in a show of solidarity, prompting a noticeable increase in security. Despite their outrage, the party says it will continue to respect legal processes, even as it pushes back against what it views as harassment.
EOCO Stays Tight-Lipped for Now
So far, EOCO hasn’t offered much beyond the basic allegations tied to illegal mining. No formal press conference, no detailed charges, just the arrest and a quiet confirmation that investigations are ongoing. For now, everyone’s waiting: waiting on Wontumi’s health, waiting on EOCO’s next move, and waiting to see just how far this story will go.
One thing’s clear: this isn’t just a legal case, it’s becoming a political flashpoint, and all eyes are on how it unfolds in the days ahead.
