The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has detained Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The detention follows Wontumi’s appearance before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to assist with an investigation.
According to reports, 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 has denied the allegations, stating that he has complied with all legal requirements regarding his mining operations.
The NPP has expressed outrage over Wontumi’s detention, with the party’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, criticizing EOCO for allegedly refusing to grant party executives access to him.
“This situation is unfortunate. Denying access to our own Regional Chairman without justification raises serious concerns,” Nana Boakye said. “We will not tolerate any form of political intimidation disguised as law enforcement.”
The incident has sparked tensions, with large crowds of NPP supporters and regional executives gathering at the EOCO headquarters in Accra. Military personnel have been deployed to the scene to maintain order and prevent escalation.
EOCO has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, fueling speculation and concern within political circles. The detention of Chairman Wontumi has deepened partisan tensions, with the NPP signaling its readiness to resist perceived targeted actions against its members ahead of the general elections.