Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was rushed to a hospital on Tuesday, May 27, after reportedly falling ill during an interrogation session at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra.
The development was confirmed by his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, a former Member of Parliament for Asante-Akim North, who addressed journalists later that evening.
“I know where he is, but I am not going to disclose the hospital. All I can say is that my client has been taken to a medical facility for treatment,” Appiah-Kubi stated.
Interrogation Incomplete
According to Appiah-Kubi, the interrogation session was not concluded due to his client’s sudden illness.
“We’ve submitted our statements, and he responded to some allegations. However, the interrogation is still ongoing. We hope to continue [on Wednesday] if his condition improves. If not, we’ll wait until he is discharged by doctors before returning,” he added.
Legal Challenges
Appiah-Kubi also confirmed that Chairman Wontumi had received a writ of summons from Exim Bank, saying, “We’ll respond to the pleadings tomorrow. I am confident we will mount a solid defense.”
Background: Arrest and Political Tensions
Chairman Wontumi was initially invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to assist with investigations into alleged illegal mining activities. He has previously faced accusations of operating without a license, polluting water bodies, and encroaching on forest reserves.
After honoring the CID’s invitation, he was reportedly handed over to EOCO for further questioning on related matters. His arrest triggered unrest, with dozens of NPP supporters and executives gathering at EOCO’s premises to demand his release. The situation escalated, prompting the deployment of military personnel to maintain order.
Several high-ranking NPP officials, including the party’s National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye and former Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover, condemned the arrest, calling it politically motivated.
“We are a law-abiding political party and have urged our members to cooperate with investigators. But we will not tolerate political harassment disguised as legal investigations,” Boakye told reporters.
Titus Glover went further, accusing the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating a politically driven “witch-hunt” against Wontumi. Speaking at EOCO headquarters, he denounced what he described as a “Rambo-style” arrest and challenged EOCO to make any charges public.
Story By: Michael Abayatey
