Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been transferred to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). This move follows his detention at the headquarters of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and comes amidst heightened public and political scrutiny.

The transfer occurred as efforts intensify to meet the stringent GHS 50 million bail conditions, requiring two justified sureties, that EOCO imposed. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2024 elections, is reportedly leading these efforts.

In a display of solidarity, numerous Members of Parliament and senior NPP officials have visited the NIB facility where Chairman Wontumi is now being held. A significant crowd of party supporters has also gathered outside the premises, prompting a notable increase in security.

Chairman Wontumi’s legal troubles began on Tuesday, May 27, with his initial arrest by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. Following his release by the CID, he was immediately taken into custody by EOCO. Although granted bail by EOCO on Wednesday, May 28, he has remained in detention due to the unmet bail conditions.

His continued detention sparked a protest on Thursday, May 29, when Minority Members of Parliament marched from Parliament to EOCO headquarters, demanding his immediate release. This demonstration caused traffic disruptions and a substantial police presence. The MPs concluded their boycott and returned to Parliament the following day.

Meanwhile, Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, has confirmed that Chairman Wontumi is under investigation for a range of serious offenses, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering. In a statement on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Justice Srem-Sai indicated that EOCO is spearheading the investigation and has commenced asset recovery efforts related to suspected proceeds of crime.