The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been picked up by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for further questioning.
This development comes after he appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters on Tuesday, May 27, to assist with ongoing investigations.
According to sources, Chairman Wontumi was cautioned on Monday, May 26, for allegedly engaging in mining operations without a license, polluting water bodies, and unlawfully entering a forest reserve. He was subsequently granted bail with instructions to return for further questioning on Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists after his interrogation by the CID on Monday, Chairman Wontumi firmly defended his innocence on both fronts, stating, “I have complied fully with legal requirements regarding my mining operations.” He also denied reports linking him to a controversial payment from COCOBOD.
The CID had confirmed that Chairman Wontumi had reported to the CID Headquarters in Accra on Monday at noon, accompanied by a legal team led by former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame.
According to the statement, Wontumi cooperated fully with investigators and submitted a formal statement.
The precise nature of the investigation remains undisclosed, and Chairman Wontumi’s legal team is yet to speak on the development.