Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, has confirmed that Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is currently under investigation for a series of serious criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Justice Srem-Sai disclosed that the ongoing investigation is being handled by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), with asset recovery efforts already underway to secure suspected proceeds of crime.
“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 added that the criminal investigation is running concurrently with asset recovery proceedings “to prevent further dissipation of what law enforcement agencies strongly suspect to be proceeds of crime.”
The Deputy Attorney General further revealed that a second, more complex strand of investigation is also ongoing. This second phase, he explained, is linked to a larger international organised crime network. EOCO, according to him, is collaborating with global law enforcement partners to uncover the full scope of Wontumi’s alleged involvement.
“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,” he added.
This latest development comes amid heightened political tensions, with the NPP Minority in Parliament alleging political persecution and accusing President John Mahama of targeting Wontumi for political reasons.
Chairman Wontumi, who serves as the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, is a prominent figure within the party and has been a vocal and visible player in the party’s campaign machinery.
While EOCO has yet to officially comment on the details of the investigation, the Deputy Attorney General’s statement marks the most direct public confirmation to date of the serious nature and scope of the allegations facing the NPP stalwart.
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Meanwhile, Chairman Wontumi—remains in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) as his legal team continues efforts to meet the stringent conditions attached to his GH₵50 million bail. Wontumi was arrested on Tuesday, May 27, following a summons by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
He is currently under EOCO’s watch over allegations of financial impropriety related to transactions involving the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIMBANK). His legal representatives have so far secured one surety and are actively working to obtain a second to fully meet the bail conditions.
Earlier speculation suggested that former Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong might serve as a surety. However, sources close to the matter told Citi News that Agyapong is not part of the bail arrangement, despite having publicly expressed interest in supporting Wontumi.
The case has drawn national attention as EOCO continues its investigation into what officials have described as questionable financial dealings. Although details of the probe remain largely undisclosed, it is believed to involve transactions with potential implications for public funds and governance standards.
Wontumi’s continued detention has fueled political debate, with his supporters calling for greater transparency in the legal process, while critics urge a comprehensive and impartial investigation.
Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai, has revealed that a second phase of the investigation reportedly links Wontumi to a wider international organised crime syndicate.
Despite being granted bail to the tune of GHS50 million, his legal team has yet to satisfy the conditions required for his release.
EOCO has consequently declined to release the NPP stalwart, a move that has ignited political backlash, particularly from the NPP Minority in Parliament. They accuse EOCO and elements within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of using the case as a tool for political persecution.
Speaking on Thursday, May 29, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh condemned the investigation, describing it as part of an orchestrated scheme by President John Mahama to undermine the NPP’s influence in the Ashanti Region.
