Wontumi falls ill during EOCO probe, rushed to hospital

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He was taken to a hospital on Tuesday, May 27. This happened after he fell ill during questioning by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra.

His lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, confirmed this news to journalists. However, he did not reveal the name or location of the hospital. He stated, “I know where he is but I am not going to disclose the hospital.”

Appiah-Kubi mentioned that the interrogation of Chairman Wontumi is not finished. “We have given our statements. They made some allegations against him, and he responded.” He added that they hope to continue questioning on Wednesday if Wontumi's health improves.

If his condition does not improve, they will wait until doctors discharge him. Appiah-Kubi also discussed a writ of summons from Exim Bank against Wontumi. He said they would respond to it soon and are hopeful about mounting a defense.

Earlier on Tuesday, Chairman Wontumi was invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for questioning related to illegal mining activities. He had been warned about mining without a license and polluting water bodies.

After attending the CID meeting, EOCO officials took him for further questioning. His arrest led to protests from NPP supporters outside EOCO’s offices. Many party executives demanded his release.

The situation became chaotic, prompting military personnel to secure the area. NPP figures like National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye accused EOCO of politically motivated actions against opposition members.

Boakye stated that the NPP would resist any attempts to misuse state institutions against its members. “We are a law-abiding political party,” he said while urging cooperation with investigations.

Titus Glover also criticized what he called a “violent political witch-hunt” against Wontumi. He condemned the manner of Wontumi’s arrest and challenged EOCO to disclose any existing charges publicly.