Fraud, International organised crime, money laundering – Wontumi’s alleged crimes revealed

The Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, announced an investigation into Bernard Antwi Boasiako. He is commonly known as Chairman Wontumi. The investigation includes fraud, financial loss to the state, and money laundering.

Justice Srem-Sai also mentioned that Wontumi is part of an international organized crime scheme. The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) is working with international law enforcement partners on this case.

The EOCO is currently handling the investigation. They are also focused on asset recovery to secure suspected proceeds of crime. Justice Srem-Sai stated that the investigation aims to prevent further dissipation of these assets.

On May 29, the minority in Parliament held a sit-in outside EOCO's headquarters in Accra. They demanded the release of Chairman Wontumi, who is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Wontumi was arrested after visiting the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on May 27. He was granted bail of GH₵50 million with two sureties on May 28. However, his legal team did not meet all conditions for his release.

As a result, Wontumi remains in EOCO custody.