Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai has confirmed that Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is under investigation for multiple serious criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.
According to Srem-Sai, the probe is being conducted alongside asset recovery efforts to prevent the dissipation of suspected proceeds of crime.
He further hinted at a second phase of investigations linking the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman to a broader international organised crime syndicate, with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) reportedly collaborating with global law enforcement partners.
The revelations have triggered intense political backlash, with the NPP Minority in Parliament accusing President John Mahama of using state agencies for political persecution.
On Thursday, May 29, 2025, Minority MPs staged a dramatic walkout and marched to EOCO’s headquarters, where they staged a sit-in protest against Wontumi’s continued detention and what they described as “unfair” bail conditions.
“We don’t have GHS50 million worth of properties. Where is he going to get it from?”
Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin queried. Declaring unwavering support, he vowed: “Until EOCO does the right thing, we on the NPP side will protest by absenting ourselves from Parliament and joining him. We are all going to sleep there with him.”