Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has been arrested by officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) shortly after appearing at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Wontumi, who had reported to the CID for further questioning in connection with alleged illegal mining activities, was intercepted by EOCO operatives moments after exiting the CID premises.
Sources close to the development say he is being picked up for additional investigations, though the specific reasons remain unclear.
CID probes forest reserve mining
Chairman Wontumi is being investigated for allegedly engaging in mining without a licence, polluting water bodies, and unlawfully entering protected forest reserves.
He had initially turned himself in to the CID on Monday, May 26, 2025, in the company of his legal team led by former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame.
According to a press statement from the CID, Wontumi cooperated fully during his interrogation, provided a formal written statement, and was granted bail on the condition that he return for further questioning the next day—which he did.
Denies illegal mining, COCOBOD claims
Speaking to journalists after Monday’s session, Chairman Wontumi strongly denied any involvement in illegal mining, and also rejected reports linking him to a controversial payment from COCOBOD.
“I have complied fully with all legal requirements regarding my mining operations,” he said, maintaining that the allegations are politically motivated and without merit.
