The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, was rushed to a hospital on Tuesday, May 27, after reportedly falling ill during questioning by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra.
His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi a former Member of Parliament for Asante-Akim North confirmed the development to journalists late Tuesday evening. However, he declined to reveal the name or location of the medical facility.
“I know where he is, but I am not going to disclose the hospital. All I can say is that my client has been taken to the hospital for medical treatment,” Appiah-Kubi stated.
He noted that the EOCO interrogation remains incomplete. “We’ve given our statements. Allegations were made, and he responded. We haven’t finished with the interrogation, so we’ll return to continue, hopefully [Wednesday], if his condition improves. Otherwise, we’ll wait until he is discharged,” he added.
Appiah-Kubi also confirmed that Wontumi has received a writ of summons from Exim Bank, unrelated to the EOCO matter. “We will respond to the pleadings tomorrow, and I am hopeful we can mount a defence,” he said.
Background and Arrest Circumstances
Chairman Wontumi was initially invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service in connection with alleged illegal mining activities. He was later taken into custody by EOCO officials and transferred to their offices for further interrogation on related charges.
Sources indicate that he is being investigated for allegedly mining without a license, polluting water bodies, and encroaching on forest reserves.
News of his arrest sparked tension, prompting a protest by NPP supporters and party executives who gathered at EOCO’s headquarters to demand his release. The scene grew chaotic, forcing the deployment of military personnel to secure the premises.
Political Fallout
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from NPP leaders, who view the development as a politically motivated move. National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye described the situation as “political harassment disguised as legal investigation,” warning that the party would not tolerate what it perceives as the weaponization of state institutions.
“We are a law-abiding political party and have encouraged our members to cooperate with investigations. But we will not allow our people to be subjected to unfair treatment,” Boakye told reporters.
Former Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover went further, accusing the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating a “violent political witch-hunt.” He condemned Wontumi’s arrest as a “Rambo-style” operation and challenged EOCO to publicly disclose any formal charges against him.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on EOCO and the government’s next steps amid growing political tensions.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
