Wontumi Arrested by EOCO Moments After CID Interrogation Over Illegal Mining Allegations
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as “Chairman Wontumi,” was dramatically arrested by operatives of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) moments after he had concluded an interrogation session at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra.
Chairman Wontumi had voluntarily reported to the CID on Tuesday morning in accordance with bail conditions tied to his alleged involvement in illegal mining activities. According to police sources, the ongoing investigations relate to suspected illegal mining operations in protected forest reserves, unauthorised entry into restricted areas, and potential breaches of Ghana’s mining and environmental laws.
He had initially turned himself in on Monday, May 26, following a formal invitation by the police for questioning. After hours of interrogation on Tuesday, Wontumi was allowed to leave the CID headquarters under the understanding that he would continue cooperating with authorities as investigations progress.
However, in a surprising turn of events, EOCO operatives intercepted and picked him up just as he exited the CID premises. He was immediately whisked away in an unmarked vehicle under heavy security presence. The arrest is believed to be linked to a broader investigation into financial crimes and money laundering possibly connected to proceeds from illegal mining.
At the time of filing this report, EOCO has not released an official statement explaining the precise reasons for the arrest or the next steps in the legal process. Sources close to the case suggest that the Office may be pursuing separate but related charges involving financial transactions and the concealment of assets derived from unlawful mining activities.
The sudden arrest has sparked widespread public and political interest, with party supporters and observers expressing concern about the implications for the NPP in the Ashanti Region—a key stronghold for the ruling party.
Meanwhile, legal representatives of Chairman Wontumi have confirmed his arrest but declined to comment on the details, stating only that they are working to secure access to their client and to understand the full scope of the new charges, if any.
This latest development adds a new dimension to the growing crackdown on illegal mining—commonly referred to as galamsey—and reinforces the state’s renewed commitment to rooting out environmental degradation and economic crimes associated with the sector.
More updates will be provided as the story unfolds.
