Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a senior aide to former Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has claimed that the politician was allegedly targeted in a poisoning attempt by fellow inmates while in prison.

The allegation emerged on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, as Wontumi marked 100 days in prison.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, Boakye-Danquah said he learnt of the incident from Wontumi during his court appearance earlier in the day.

According to him, prison authorities have begun investigating the matter to establish what happened.

“Chairman is okay. We haven’t received any medical reports from the doctors. But I have received indications that over the past week, some prison inmates attempted to poison him,” he said.

Boakye-Danquah said he had contacted the prison commander, who assured him that the allegation was being investigated.

He added that the commander had promised to provide feedback after the investigations.

“He mentioned that to me today when he came to court, and I have spoken to the commander, and the commander said he has asked them to investigate the matter, so he will come back to me on that issue. This attempted poisoning of his life happened a few days ago,” he added.

No further details were provided about the circumstances surrounding the alleged attempt or the identity of those purportedly involved. The claim has not been independently verified.

Beyond the allegation, Boakye-Danquah reiterated Wontumi’s call for far-reaching reforms to Ghana’s prison system, arguing for greater attention to rehabilitation, the welfare of inmates and their successful reintegration into society.

Wontumi was convicted and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment by the Accra High Court for illegal mining-related offences.

The judgment was delivered by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay after the court found Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining Limited, guilty on six counts, including assigning mineral rights without the approval of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and facilitating unlicensed mining operations.

According to the proceedings, the court held that Wontumi and Akonta Mining unlawfully allowed Henry Okoom and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to undertake mining activities on the company’s concession without obtaining the mandatory ministerial approval.

In addition to the 20-year custodial sentence, the court fined Wontumi GH¢120,000, with a default sentence of three years’ imprisonment. Akonta Mining Limited was also fined GH¢180,000 on two counts.