Bernard Antwi Boasiako, nicknamed Chairman Wontumi, of the Ashanti Regional NPP, is spending the night in custody at the Economic and Organised Crime Office’s (EOCO) headquarters in Accra after failing to meet bail conditions on Wednesday night.
The controversial party executive, who has recently come under severe investigation over his suspected involvement in illegal mining activities, was given bail of GH¢50 million with two sureties, both of which must be justified—a hurdle his legal team was unable to cross by nightfall.
His lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, acknowledged to journalists that Wontumi was unable to collect the necessary sureties in time, forcing him to remain in detention overnight.
“This is a component of an ongoing police investigation,” Mr Appiah Kubi stated. “We are fully compliant and anticipate meeting the necessary requirements soon.”
Wontumi was arrested on Tuesday, May 27, after appearing at the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for questioning on suspicion of unlawful mining, often known as galamsey locally.
According to sources, following his meeting with the CID, EOCO authorities quickly took him into jail for further questioning over alleged financial loss to the state as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal mining operations and corruption.
According to his counsel, Wontumi is currently being investigated by EOCO for “causing financial loss to the state,” a serious violation with far-reaching legal and political ramifications if confirmed.
Chairman Wontumi had previously been cautioned over allegations of illegal mining, water pollution, and operating within designated forest reserves—charges that have persisted despite his denial of any wrongdoing.
The NPP firebrand, known for his colourful flair and vast political ties, has long been a source of controversy, but this is his most serious court challenge to date.
News of his arrest travelled quickly through the party ranks, provoking a show of force by NPP supporters.
A big crowd of party fans and executives gathered outside EOCO’s Ridge headquarters late at night, demanding his release and accusing officials of political harassment.
With the GH¢50 million bail still unfulfilled and investigations intensifying, all eyes are now on EOCO and the Ghana Police Service for the next move in what might become a landmark legal and political case.
Wontumi’s team claims they are working around the clock to meet the bail terms, but his night in EOCO detention signals a watershed moment in a case that has already sparked national interest.
