How Chairman Wontumi refused food and drink for 5 days while in EOCO custody

Former New Edubease MP, Hon. George Oduro, is defending NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako. He is commonly known as Chairman Wontumi. This comes amid rumors that Wontumi faked a mild stroke to escape trouble with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

Wontumi appeared weak and pale after meeting bail conditions on May 27, 2025. His frail appearance raised concerns online. Garu MP Dr. Thomas Anabah claimed Wontumi was pretending to be ill.

“There shouldn’t be any sympathy,” Anabah said in an interview. “There is no stroke in him; he’s just pretending.”

George Oduro dismissed these claims as reckless and unfounded. He questioned Dr. Anabah’s medical credentials, saying, “I will be surprised if he is a medical doctor.”

Oduro explained that Wontumi's condition was due to self-imposed deprivation during his five days in EOCO custody. “Chairman Wontumi refused to eat or drink water for five days,” he stated.

He added, “If you don’t drink water for three days, you’ll break down.” Oduro emphasized that Wontumi did not fake his condition.

Wontumi's troubles began when EOCO arrested him over allegations of economic crimes. The specifics of these allegations have not been detailed yet.

His arrest shocked the political landscape in the Ashanti Region, where he has significant influence. He was later granted bail set at GH¢50 million with two sureties.

Once his legal team met the bail conditions, he was released. The image of a weak Wontumi leaving EOCO sparked debates about his health.

Oduro insists it was real exhaustion and starvation, not an act. “Chairman Wontumi has endured too much to fake something like this,” he said.

“Let’s focus on truth, not propaganda,” Oduro concluded.