Embattled Boss of Akonta Mining’s Lawyer Gives Update on Chairman Wontumi (his client) After EOCO Arrest
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on May 27, 2025, following a visit to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra.
Lawyer Gives Update on Chairman Wontumi After EOCO Arrest
The arrest occurred shortly after he was granted bail by the CID for allegations related to illegal mining, including operating without a license, polluting water bodies, and unauthorized entry into a forest reserve. EOCO’s interrogation reportedly focused on additional allegations, including a $55 million fraud case linked to his company, Akonta Mining, and a writ of summons issued by Exim Bank.
During the EOCO interrogation, which lasted approximately six hours, Wontumi fell ill and was rushed to a hospital. His lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, confirmed the hospitalization but did not disclose the medical facility’s name or location. As of May 28, 2025, Wontumi’s whereabouts remain unknown, raising concerns among NPP members and supporters. Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and other NPP figures, such as Titus Glover, have condemned the arrest as overly aggressive and politically motivated, demanding transparency and due process from EOCO. Bawumia noted he is in contact with Wontumi’s legal team to ensure his constitutional rights are protected.
Social media reactions are mixed, with some expressing concern for Wontumi’s health, while others, including media personality Afia Schwarzenegger, have celebrated his legal troubles, citing past disputes. A video circulating online shows Wontumi being escorted from EOCO’s headquarters to the hospital, and his brother appeared distraught over the situation. Additionally, a member of Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign team, Alex Kwaku Tetteh, confessed to providing EOCO with information about Wontumi’s location, citing civic duty.
EOCO has remained silent on specific charges and Wontumi’s current status, leading to accusations of misleading the NPP about his condition and location. The deployment of soldiers to EOCO’s premises was reported to maintain order amid rising tensions
