Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has reportedly been denied access to his family and had his phones confiscated while in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
His counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed these restrictions on JoyNews on May 31, 2025, calling them a “violation” of his client’s rights.
According to Appiah-Kubi, even him, requires an approved application and official escort just to see Wontumi.
While Wontumi’s legal team focuses on securing his release, they plan to seek further redress for the denial of family access at an “appropriate time.”
Currently, Chairman Wontumi is receiving medical attention in EOCO’s custody, with his lawyer confirming he “has been unwell and is still unwell.”
However, Appiah-Kubi denied any knowledge of a hunger strike.
Despite meeting the GH¢50 million bail conditions set by EOCO (requiring two justified sureties), Wontumi’s fate remains uncertain until Monday, as EOCO has filed a new suit.
His legal team has also challenged the original bail conditions, calling them “most difficult and worse and most unfair.”
The lawyer expressed concern over the “mode” of Wontumi’s arrest, stating he was “accosted in the middle of the road” without a prior invitation.
Wontumi was initially invited by the CID for alleged illegal mining, but his current EOCO detention pertains to separate allegations of “causing financial loss to the state,” all of which he denies.
Despite the situation, he is said to be “not too happy” but willing to cooperate with legitimate security agency invitations.
VPO/EB
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