Wontumi walks free from EOCO after satisfying GH¢50m bail bond requirement

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Bernard Antwi Bosiako aka Chairman Wontumi, has regained his freedom from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after meeting strict bail conditions.

Mr. Boasiako was released five days after securing bail, having fulfilled the GH¢50 million bond requirement. The Member of Parliament for Abetifi and Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr. Bryan Acheampong, is reported to have stood as surety for the embattled regional chairman.

The outspoken politician, who is under investigation for alleged involvement in fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state, will now assist with the ongoing investigations from home. He is expected to report to investigators as and when required.

Mr. Boasiako’s legal troubles deepened last week when the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service invited him for questioning in relation to alleged illegal mining activities. He was reportedly cautioned over suspected operations without a valid licence, destruction of water bodies, and the encroachment of forest reserves.

Shortly after being discharged by the CID, EOCO officials effected his arrest at the premises of the Police Headquarters. His detention attracted considerable public and political attention, given his high-profile status within the ruling party.

In a social media post, the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, confirmed that Mr. Boasiako was facing investigations for multiple criminal offences, including money laundering and financial impropriety. He added that the criminal probe was being pursued in parallel with asset recovery processes to prevent the possible dissipation of funds suspected to be proceeds of crime.

More significantly, the Deputy Attorney-General hinted at a second line of investigation involving Mr. Boasiako’s alleged connection to an international organised crime syndicate. EOCO, he noted, was collaborating with international law enforcement agencies in that regard.

Sources close to EOCO indicate that the ongoing investigations centre around a GH¢50 million payment received by Chairman Wontumi from COCOBOD, a financing facility from Eximbank, and a luxury vehicle believed to have been stolen and found in his possession.

In a related development, a car dealer alleged to have ties with the NPP regional chairman has also been picked up by EOCO. He is assisting investigators with enquiries into what officials describe as a transnational car theft operation.

Following his release, jubilant party supporters, executives, and sympathisers gathered to welcome the Ashanti Regional Chairman, who is widely regarded as one of the party’s most influential grassroots mobilisers.

Despite the celebratory scenes, the investigations continue to cast a cloud over Mr. Boasiako’s political future and the broader fight against corruption and illicit financial flows in the country.