By: Daniel Bampoe
After nearly a week behind bars, Bernard Antwi Boasiako—popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—has reemerged onto the political scene, swiftly making courtesy visits to key New Patriotic Party (NPP) figures.
His first stops included a meeting with the 2024 NPP presidential candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a session with the party’s national executive, and a notable expression of thanks to Abetifi MP, Bryan Acheampong, whose intervention proved pivotal in securing his release from EOCO custody.
Wontumi’s release on June 2, 2025, followed a dramatic five-day detention by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), where he faced a slew of grave allegations ranging from illegal mining (galamsey) to money laundering and financial loss to the state. His freedom came only after fulfilling strict bail conditions—GH¢50 million with two sureties—one of whom was Bryan Acheampong.
Legal Storm
Chairman Wontumi’s legal troubles began on May 27, 2025, when he was invited by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service over allegations of engaging in illegal mining activities.
Following preliminary questioning, he was handed over to EOCO for deeper interrogation into related financial crimes.
Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai later revealed via social media that EOCO’s investigation extends beyond Ghana’s borders, involving international partners in a probe into possible links between Wontumi and a transnational organized crime syndicate.
Compounding the seriousness of the case, authorities alleged that Wontumi’s illegal operations included mining without a license, contamination of water bodies, and encroachment on protected forest reserves.
Strategic Visits
Just a day after his release, Chairman Wontumi resumed political engagement with an early-morning visit to the private residence of former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The two men are seen as close allies, and the visit is interpreted as both a personal thank-you and a reaffirmation of loyalty ahead future elections in the party.
Wontumi then headed to the NPP national headquarters, where he was welcomed by the General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, and other party executive.
Justin Kodua had been a visible supporter throughout Wontumi’s ordeal, reportedly accompanying him during parts of the EOCO process.
Capping his day, Wontumi paid a special visit to Dr. Bryan Acheampong to personally thank him for his “brotherly love and support” during the crisis.
According to close aides, the meeting was filled with warmth and mutual respect, symbolizing a deepening political bond that may have implications for future party dynamics.
