Wontumi relocated to NIB; NPP supporters storm office

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, has been transferred to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). This follows his detention at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

There is significant public and political interest in Wontumi's case. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2024 NPP flagbearer, is working to meet EOCO's bail conditions. Several Members of Parliament and senior party officials have visited the NIB with supporters. A heavy security presence remains at the NIB premises.

Chairman Wontumi was arrested on Tuesday, May 27, by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. After his release by CID, he was picked up by EOCO. Although EOCO granted him GHS50 million bail on Wednesday, May 28, he has not yet met the conditions requiring two justified sureties.

In protest of his detention, Minority MPs marched from Parliament to EOCO’s headquarters on Thursday, May 29. They demanded his immediate release, causing traffic disruptions and prompting a strong police response. However, their protest was short-lived as they returned to Parliament on Friday, May 30.

On Thursday, Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai confirmed that Chairman Wontumi is under investigation for serious criminal offences. These include fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering. The investigation is being handled by EOCO with asset recovery efforts underway.

Justice Srem-Sai stated that "Suspect BERNARD ANTWI BOASIAKO a.k.a. Chairman Wontumi is under investigation for various criminal offences."