EOCO Detains NPP’s Chairman Wontumi Over Alleged Illegal Mining Activities
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The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has detained Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), following his appearance at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters on Tuesday, May 27.
Sources close to the case reveal that Chairman Wontumi, who reported to the CID earlier in the day to assist with an ongoing investigation, was later taken into custody by EOCO officials for further questioning.
While the specifics of the investigation remain undisclosed, it follows his official caution by the CID on Monday, May 26. He is alleged to have engaged in illegal mining operations, including operating without a license, polluting water bodies, and unlawfully entering a forest reserve.
In a statement released on Monday, the CID confirmed that Wontumi had reported to their Accra headquarters at noon, accompanied by his legal team, which included former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame. The statement noted that he cooperated fully and submitted a formal statement. He was granted bail and instructed to return the following day for further inquiries.
Chairman Wontumi has strongly denied the allegations, including reports linking him to a controversial payment from COCOBOD. Speaking to the media after Monday’s session, he insisted on his innocence, claiming he had complied with all legal requirements related to his mining operations.
