Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Monday, June 2, 2025, after fulfilling his bail conditions. He had been detained since May 27, 2025, in connection with investigations into alleged illegal mining activities by Akonta Mining Ltd, a company he reportedly owns. The allegations involve operations within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, which contravene Ghana’s mining laws.Upon his release, Chairman Wontumi appeared frail and limped, prompting concern among his supporters. He was assisted by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong and former Minister Bryan Acheampong as he acknowledged the cheers of a gathering crowd.This release follows a series of legal and political developments involving Chairman Wontumi. In January 2024, the Kumasi Traditional Council cleared him of allegations that he had made derogatory remarks against the Asantehene during an NPP parliamentary vetting process. The Council found the claims unsubstantiated and advised both parties to resolve the matter privately, urging chiefs to refrain from engaging in partisan politics during election.Despite his release, legal scrutiny continues. Anti-galamsey campaigners Martin Kpebu and Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey have renewed calls for the prosecution of Akonta Mining and its directors, including Chairman Wontumi, due to the prolonged delay in investigations into the alleged illegal mining activities. NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua confirmed Chairman Wontumi’s release on the evening of Monday, June 2, during a media interview.He praised Dr. Bryan Acheampong, who acted as one of the sureties for Wontumi’s bail.Chairman Wontumi was granted bail set at GH₵50 million with two sureties to be justified. He was arrested on Tuesday, May 27, amid investigations into allegations of fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. Additionally, the charges reportedly involve a possible connection to a wider international organised crime syndicate, according to Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai. It has emerged that the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) is preparing its own investigation docket into Chairman Wontumi’s activities, working independently from the ongoing probes by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). Chairman Wontumi’s release comes after a period marked by intense legal manoeuvring and political pressure. His legal team initially faced difficulties meeting the stringent bail conditions, which resulted in several days of detention. On Friday, May 30, lead counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi confirmed that the required documentation for both sureties had been finalized. This progress was significantly supported by former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, whose surety documents reportedly exceeded the bail amount required.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after meeting bail conditions set at GH₵50 million with two sureties to be justified. NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua, confirmed his release on the evening of Monday, June 2. He publicly commended former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, who provided one of the sureties. Acheampong’s documentation reportedly exceeded the required bail amount, significantly facilitating the legal process. Wontumi was arrested on Tuesday, May 27, in connection with investigations into alleged fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem-Sai, revealed that the charges may also be linked to a broader international organised crime syndicate. In addition to EOCO and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has launched a parallel investigation and is preparing its own docket. Despite completing the bail requirements by Friday, May 30, Wontumi’s release was delayed due to an unexpected legal challenge—a court application seeking a review of the bail terms. His legal team, led by Andy Appiah-Kubi, remained confident the obstacle would be cleared, and the application was eventually withdrawn, clearing the path for his release on June 2. Wontumi’s detention stirred significant political unrest, with several NPP Members of Parliament, party executives, and supporters rallying for his release. Demonstrations were held, and many within the party described the bail terms as excessive and politically motivated. As legal proceedings continue, the case remains under national scrutiny, with implications that could extend into the political and judicial landscape of Ghana. Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after satisfying bail conditions totaling GH₵50 million, with two sureties to be justified. His release was confirmed on the evening of Monday, June 2, by NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua, who commended former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, for acting as one of the sureties. According to lead counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi, Acheampong’s documentation “goes over and above the value of money that is required.”Wontumi was arrested on Tuesday, May 27, as part of ongoing investigations into alleged fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai has disclosed that the case may be linked to a wider international organised crime syndicate. In addition to EOCO and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has begun preparing an independent docket to support the broader probe. Despite his legal team finalizing the bail documentation by Friday, May 30, Wontumi’s release was delayed due to an unexpected legal challenge. An application had been filed seeking a review of the bail terms and was scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, June 3. However, the applicant made a U-turn on Monday and withdrew the application entirely, clearing the path for Wontumi’s release later that day. During his time in custody, the case drew intense public and political attention. NPP Members of Parliament, party executives, and supporters held protests and press conferences, decrying the bail conditions as excessive and politically motivated. While now released, Chairman Wontumi is expected to fully cooperate with ongoing investigations as part of his bail conditions. Legal observers expect the case to remain in the spotlight due to its complex financial, legal, and political implications.
