NPP's Chairman Wontumi Arrested and Detained by EOCO

• Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been arrested by the EOCO
• The Economic and Organised Crime Office reportedly picked him up after reporting for questioning on Tuesday, 27 May 2025
• Chairman Wontumi's arrest is reportedly linked to a $55 million fraud matter allegedly involving his company, Akonta Mining
• Private legal practitioner, Denis P.D. Wedam, explained the legal basis for EOCO's actions against Chairman Wontumi in a discussion with YEN. com.gh

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, has reportedly been arrested and detained by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

The man popularly known as Chairman Wontumi was nabbed by EOCO operatives at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, to assist with ongoing investigations.

Reports suggested that the arrest of the NPP's Ashanti Regional Chairman was in connection with the alleged $55 million Akonta Mining fraud case.

NIB's attempt to arrest Chairman Wontumi

On Friday, 23 May 2025, heavily armed National Security operatives stormed Wontumi's residence in Kumasi to execute a search warrant.

However, the NIB operatives were unsuccessful, as leaders of the NPP and supporters in the Ashanti Region reportedly impeded their attempt.

Following this, Chairman Wontumi promised to report himself to the CID to assist with investigations into his mining firm.

On Monday, 26 May 2025, the NPP politician reportedly turned himself in at the CID headquarters in Accra, accompanied by his lawyers.

According to media reports, Wontumi was officially cautioned by the CID for allegedly engaging in mining operations without a license, polluting water bodies, and unlawfully entering a forest reserve.

Watch the video below:

CID releases press statement on Wontumi

In a press statement released on Monday, 26 May 2025, the CID confirmed that Antwi-Boasiako had reported to its headquarters in Accra at noon that day.

The CID said Wontumi cooperated fully with investigators and submitted a formal statement. He was subsequently granted bail and asked to return on Tuesday.

The politician then reported to the CID headquarters in the company of his legal team, led by the former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Dame.

Chairman Wontumi denies illegal mining allegations

Meanwhile, the NPP's Ashanti Regional Chairman has categorically denied involvement in illegal mining and reports linking him to a controversial payment from COCOBOD.

Addressing the media shortly after securing police bail on Monday, Chairman Wontumi stated that his company had a valid mining licence.

Ghanaians react to Chairman Wontumi's arrest.

Ghanaians on social media have reacted to Chairman Wontumi's arrest by EOCO.

Below are a few of the reactions:

@dfweddiee said:

"Haha law is law, aban papa aba."

@Caessar_7 also said:

"According to reports, one of the reasons for the arrest of Chairman Wontumi is that he collected $10 million to plant maize, but no maize was planted."

@eagleyez7 commented:

"The state securities have been smart on this one."

Speaking to YEN.com.gh, a private legal practitioner, Denis P.D. Wedam, said EOCO is clothed with the same powers as the police to arrest and detain a suspect for any organised crime.

Although every arrest ought to be made by a warrant, he said there are instances where EOCO could apprehend a crime suspect even without a warrant.

"So when it comes to arrest and detention, they have the same powers as the police have. They can arrest in the same way the police would arrest somebody. That means that every arrest by default is supposed to be by a warrant. However, there are instances where they can arrest without a warrant," he explained.

"When they arrest you, they are also allowed to caution you the same way the police would. They are allowed to take a statement, interrogate, detain, and grant bail. So, the legal basis is that the law that establishes EOCO gives them the powers to do all those things," he added

Captain Smart taunts NPP's Chairman Wontumi

Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh reported that Captain Smart criticised Chairman Wontumi over his conduct and remarks about power and influence.

According to the media personality, the politician had been all over the place recently, bragging and behaving as though he owned all of Ghana.

His comments followed an attempt by NIB operatives to arrest Chairman Wontumi at his Kumasi home, which was blocked by his party.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh