NPP Cries Foul as EOCO Arrests Chairman Wontumi

Accra, Ghana - 28 May, 2025 - Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was taken into custody by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, after he reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra.

This development comes amid allegations of Chairman Wontumi's involvement in illegal mining activities, specifically operating a mining firm, 'Akonta Mining'  without a license, polluting water bodies, and unlawfully entering forest reserves.

The sequence of events began on Monday, May 26, when Chairman Wontumi was cautioned by the CID over the alleged offenses. He was granted bail and required to return for further inquiries on Tuesday. However, upon exiting the CID headquarters after cooperating with investigators, EOCO officials intercepted and arrested him. The precise reasons for EOCO's intervention remain unclear, but analysts suggest it could be linked to suspected money laundering offenses stemming from his alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.

The NPP has reacted strongly to Wontumi's arrest, describing it as politically motivated intimidation. Party supporters and executives gathered at the EOCO compound, vowing not to leave until Wontumi is released. NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye expressed outrage over the incident, criticizing the manner of the arrest as akin to scenes from an action film.

The party has warned against what it perceives as unfair treatment of its members under the guise of investigations.

“We will resist any form of political harassment. We have already indicated our willingness to cooperate with any investigative body. We are a law-abiding political party, and we have already told our members to cooperate with any investigative body,” Nana Boakye said in an interview with Citi Eyewitness News on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened at the EOCO office following the protests, with party supporters clashing with security personnel.

The situation remains tense, with Wontumi reportedly hospitalized after his arrest and interrogation suspended.

EOCO has yet to issue an official statement detailing the reasons for Wontumi's arrest.

Source: Lead News Online