Chairman Wontumi spends night in EOCO custody over galamsey, financial loss probe

Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, is currently spending the night in custody at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters in Accra after he was unable to fulfill bail requirements on Tuesday night.

The contentious party official, who has recently faced significant scrutiny regarding his alleged participation in illegal mining activities, was granted bail set at GH¢50 million, requiring two sureties, both of which needed to be verified—a challenge his legal team could not overcome before night fell.

His attorney, Andy Appiah Kubi, informed reporters that Wontumi was unable to secure the necessary sureties in time, resulting in his continued detention overnight.

“This is part of an ongoing police investigation. We are fully cooperating, and we hope to meet the conditions soon,” Mr. Appiah Kubi stated.

Wontumi’s arrest on Tuesday, May 27, came after he appeared at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, where he was summoned for questioning regarding allegations of illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

Sources indicate that following his meeting with the CID, EOCO officials promptly took him into custody for further questioning related to alleged financial losses to the state, suggesting a broader investigation into illicit mining activities and corruption.

According to his lawyer, Wontumi is now under EOCO investigation for “causing financial loss to the state,” a serious charge that could lead to significant legal and political repercussions if substantiated.

Chairman Wontumi had previously been warned about allegations of mining without a license, contaminating water sources, and operating in protected forest areas—accusations that have persisted around him despite his claims of innocence.

The NPP figure, recognized for his extravagant demeanor and extensive political ties, has consistently been a focal point of controversy, but this marks the most severe legal challenge he has encountered to date.