BREAKING: Chairman Wontumi Under Investigation for International Organised Crime – Deputy Attorney General Confirms

Accra, May 29, 2025 – The 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 his alleged involvement in an international organised crime network.

Chairman Wontumi, who serves as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is being investigated by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for offences such as fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.

In a statement released via social media on Thursday, Justice Srem Sai disclosed that Wontumi has been in EOCO custody since Tuesday, May 27, following his appearance at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra. His arrest came after a failed attempt to detain him on May 23.

“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 further revealed that the investigation includes a second strand focused on Wontumi’s alleged role in a broader international organised crime operation. EOCO is reportedly working in close collaboration with international law enforcement agencies to unravel the full extent of the network.

“The criminal investigation is running concurrently with asset recovery processes to prevent further dissipation of what law enforcement agencies strongly suspect to be proceeds of crime,” Justice Sai added.

Wontumi’s legal troubles appear to be mounting. His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, told the media that EOCO’s interrogation also involves his client’s dealings with Exim Bank. He confirmed that Wontumi has been served with a writ of summons by the bank.

Following intense questioning on Tuesday, Wontumi reportedly fell ill and was subsequently hospitalised. Despite being granted bail by EOCO on Wednesday in the sum of GH₵50 million, he remains in custody after failing to meet the bail conditions.

This developing story continues to attract national attention, with implications for both the political and legal landscape in Ghana.