This is why Chairman Wontumi is being investigated

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is currently the subject of a major criminal investigation involving allegations of fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering, according to Ghana’s Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) Dr Srem-Sai confirmed that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is leading the probe, with efforts already underway to recover assets suspected to be linked to criminal activity. 

“Suspect BERNARD ANTWI BOASIAKO, a.k.a. Chairman Wontumi, is under investigation for various criminal offences (including fraud, causing financial loss to the State, and money laundering),” the Deputy Attorney General stated.

He further indicated that the investigation involves dual tracks: one focused on domestic crimes, and another, more complex line of inquiry, tied to an international organised crime syndicate. 

“The suspect is also under a second strand of investigation which is part of a larger international organised crime scheme. The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is assiduously working with our international law enforcement partners on this second strand of criminal investigations,” Mr Srem-Sai revealed.

The Deputy Attorney General stressed that alongside the criminal probe, asset recovery proceedings have been initiated “to prevent further dissipation of what law enforcement agencies strongly suspect to be proceeds of crime.”

This public disclosure marks the clearest and most direct official communication on the matter so far, confirming speculation surrounding the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Chairman Wontumi has been a high-profile figure in Ghanaian politics, known for his fierce loyalty to the NPP and his dominant influence in the Ashanti Region—considered the party’s electoral stronghold. His visibility during national campaigns and party activities has made him both a political asset and a controversial personality.

The timing of the announcement has sparked accusations from the NPP Minority in Parliament, who claim the investigation is politically motivated. According to them, the move is part of a targeted campaign by President John Mahama’s administration to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2028 elections.