The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has admitted the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi, to bail in the sum of GH¢50 million with two sureties to be justified.
His lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, who disclosed this to Graphic Online’s Justice Agbenorsi in Accra said his client was interrogated by the investigative body on charges of causing financial loss to the state.
The police enquiry bail by EOCO is to allow Boasiako to be temporarily released from police custody pending investigations.
The bail came after hours of interrogation at the EOCO head office in Accra last Tuesday. Mr Boasiako is said to have fallen ill after hours of interrogation.
Mr Appiah Kubi told Graphic Online that his client was working with EOCO officers to meet the bail conditions.
Investigations
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service had early on Tuesday, invited Mr Boasiako to assist with ongoing investigations linked to alleged illegal mining (galamsey) activities.
He had previously been cautioned over accusations of mining without a licence, activities that are polluting water bodies and encroachment of forest reserves.
However, after honouring the CID’s invitation, he was subsequently picked up by EOCO officials and transported to their head office for further questioning, reportedly on related issues.
Reaction
The arrest triggered an immediate reaction from scores of NPP supporters, including party executives who stormed the EOCO premises in protest, demanding his release.
They included the National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, and former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Titus Glover. The military was subsequently deployed to ensure law and order at the EOCO office.
SOURCE: GRAPHICONLINE
