The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has finally secured his freedom albeit through bail from the custody of the Economic and Organized Crime Office, EOCO. Chairman Wontumi finally met the conditions for his release five days after securing a bail.
Chairman Wontumi, who is under investigation on suspicion of crimes including fraud, money laundering and causing financial loss to the state, successfully executed his bail condition set by the investigative body to the tune of GH¢50 million after Abetifi MP Bryan Acheampong provided sureties.
With his release, the suspect will now assist with investigations from home and is expected to make himself available as and when he is needed.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service had earlier on Tuesday, invited Mr. Boasiako to assist with ongoing investigations linked to alleged illegal mining 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 his discharge by the CID, EOCO officials subsequently arrested him while exiting the police headquarters.
Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai in a post on social media revealed Chairman Wontumi was under investigation for multiple criminal offences including fraud, money laundering and causing financial loss to the state.
According to the Deputy A-G, the ongoing criminal investigation is running concurrently with asset recovery efforts to prevent the suspected proceeds of crime from being dissipated.
He also gave a hint of a second strand of investigations involving Chairman Wontumi’s alleged role in a larger international organised crime scheme.
EOCO is said to be working closely with international law enforcement partners in this regard, he indicated.
Accra News Online has gathered EOCO’s investigations specifically bother on a GhC50 million payment Chairman Wontumi received from COCOBOD, a facility from Eximbank and a stolen car found in his possession.
A car dealer linked to the NPP’s Ashanti regional chairman has also been picked up by EOCO to assist in investigations bothering on international car stealing syndicate.
Chairman Wontumi was released to excited party leaders, members and supporters.
