Chairman Wontumi Under Criminal Investigation for Fraud, Money Laundering, and Financial Loss to the State
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is currently under investigation for multiple criminal offences including fraud, causing financial loss to the state and money laundering. The Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, confirmed the development in a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
According to the Deputy Attorney General, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is leading the investigations, with asset recovery efforts already underway. Authorities suspect that some of the assets tied to Chairman Wontumi may be 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),” Mr. Srem-Sai stated.
He further revealed that the investigation is taking place on two fronts. The first track focuses on alleged domestic crimes committed within Ghana. The second, more complex track, is linked to an international organised crime syndicate. EOCO is reportedly working in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies to pursue this line of inquiry.
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,” the Deputy Attorney General added.
As part of the legal process, asset recovery proceedings have also been initiated. These actions aim to prevent further dissipation of what authorities strongly suspect to be ill-gotten gains.
This disclosure is the most direct and detailed confirmation from an official government source regarding the allegations that have been circulating in the public domain for some time.
Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is one of the most influential figures in the party. He is known for his passionate loyalty to the NPP and his strong presence in the Ashanti Region, widely regarded as the party’s political stronghold. His visibility during national campaigns has made him both a political asset and a polarising figure.
However, the announcement has triggered political backlash. Some members of the NPP Minority in Parliament have accused President John Mahama’s administration of using state agencies to target opposition figures ahead of the 2028 general elections. They allege that the investigation is politically motivated and aimed at weakening the NPP’s influence, particularly in its strongholds.
Despite these claims, the Deputy Attorney General insists that the investigation is being handled professionally and without political bias.
As the investigation continues, many Ghanaians are watching closely, with questions about how this case might impact the political landscape in the lead-up to the next elections.