The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been entangled in a web of legal and personal challenges that have placed him under the national spotlight.
From a botched security raid at his Kumasi residence to interrogations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), followed by hospitalisation and a civil suit from Exim Bank, Wontumi’s recent troubles paint a picture of a man under intense scrutiny.
These events, unfolding in rapid succession, have seen Wontumi become the centre of attention in discussions within and beyond Ghana’s media space.
The failed security raid in Kumasi
The saga began on May 25, 2025, when security operatives attempted a raid on Wontumi’s residence in Kumasi. The operation was met with fierce resistance from Wontumi’s loyalists and supporters.
Reports indicate that the security team, comprising personnel from multiple agencies, was unable to execute the raid due to the presence of a large crowd of NPP supporters who gathered to protect their chairman.
The standoff ended without any arrests or seizures but set the stage for Wontumi’s subsequent legal battles.
While details of the raid’s objectives remain sparse, it was believed to be linked to ongoing investigations into Wontumi’s business dealings, particularly in the mining sector.
CID interrogation over Galamsey
On Monday, May 26, 2025, Wontumi was invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for questioning over allegations of involvement in illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
The outspoken NPP chairman, known for his fiery rhetoric, spoke to the media and denied the accusations.
He noted that he had presented his mining license to CID investigators to assert its legitimacy.
“They also claimed I was working in the forest, but I told them it wasn’t me. If they have any evidence, they should show it to me,” he stated.
After its initial interrogation of Wontumi on Monday, the police CID granted the NPP regional chairman bail and asked him to return on Tuesday.
EOCO arrest and interrogation
While departing the CID headquarters after returning for further questioning, Wontumi was arrested and interrogated by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, speaking to the media on Tuesday evening, revealed that the EOCO interrogation was in connection with his business dealings with Exim Bank.
The interrogation, described as gruelling by Wontumi’s lawyer, lasted several hours and took a toll on the chairman’s health.
The arrest sparked immediate unrest outside EOCO’s Accra office, as a number of NPP supporters gathered to demand Wontumi’s release. The protest turned chaotic, resulting in clashes with security personnel.
A JoyNews reporter, Latif Iddrisu, was assaulted while covering the scene, and two police vehicles were reportedly vandalized.
His lawyer later reported that Wontumi had been taken to a health facility for medical attention due to his failing health during the interrogation.
“My client has been taken to the hospital for medical treatment,” Appiah-Kubi told journalists on Tuesday night.
“We haven’t finished the interrogation, so we will come back to continue, hopefully tomorrow, if his condition improves. Otherwise, he will stay there until the doctors discharge him,” he added.
Exim Bank civil suit
As if the criminal investigations were not enough, Wontumi was served with a writ of summons by Exim Bank on the afternoon of May 27, 2025, while still under EOCO interrogation.
The civil suit, the details of which are yet to be fully disclosed, is believed to involve financial disputes related to Wontumi’s business dealings.
Andy Appiah-Kubi confirmed receipt of the writ, stating, “We have also received this afternoon a writ of summons from Exim Bank, and we are going to respond to the pleadings tomorrow.”
He expressed confidence in mounting a defense, noting that the matter would be treated as a civil case in court.
According to reports, Wontumi was granted bail in the sum of GH₵50 million by EOCO on Wednesday but failed to meet the bail conditions, warranting his continued stay in EOCO custody.
Meanwhile, Wontumi, who has declared his intention to contest for the national Chairmanship position of the NPP, has described his recent woes as a coordinated attempt by the ruling National Democratic Congress to cripple his business and undermine his political ambition.