Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been released by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after meeting his GH¢50 million bail condition.
His legal team, led by Andy Appiah-Kubi, withdrew a High Court motion on June 2 that had sought a review of the bail terms. Though the bail conditions were met on May 30, his release was delayed due to the pending motion, which lawyers say was filed without his full consent.
Wontumi had spent five nights in EOCO custody. His arrest followed a CID invitation over alleged involvement in illegal mining (“galamsey”), environmental degradation, and unauthorized activities in forest reserves. After honoring that invitation, EOCO took him in for further investigations.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai revealed via social media that Wontumi is under investigation for serious offences, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. These criminal investigations are reportedly being conducted alongside asset recovery measures.
EOCO is also collaborating with international partners as part of the ongoing probe.