The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been taken into custody by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). He was taken into custody on Tuesday, May 27, following a visit to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra.
According to NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, Chairman Wontumi had reported to the CID earlier in the day to assist with ongoing investigations. However, he was intercepted and picked up by heavily armed EOCO officers as he was leaving the premises.
He said heavily armed men crossed the vehicle of Chairman Wontumi and took him away.
As of 5:30 PM, the reason for his detention remained unclear, and he had reportedly been denied access to legal counsel.
Wontumi had been officially cautioned a day earlier over allegations of illegal mining in a forest reserve. He denied the allegations and, during his initial appearance at the CID on May 26, submitted a statement with his legal team led by former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame.
He was granted bail and asked to return for further questioning.
Meanwhile Chairman Wontumi maintains his innocence and insists he has complied with all legal requirements regarding his mining operations.
