Chairman Wontumi walks after fulfilling GHC50M bail conditions, but EOCO’s probe into fraud & money laundering deepens — with international law enforcement now involved.
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been granted bail following his arrest over alleged involvement in a wide-ranging fraud and money laundering case. While his GHC50 million bail has been fulfilled, legal experts warn that the embattled political figure is far from exonerated.
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with the case taking an increasingly international dimension. Reports suggest that several foreign agencies, including INTERPOL and financial intelligence units from Europe and North America, have expressed interest in the unfolding matter due to suspicious financial transactions that reportedly span multiple jurisdictions.
Wontumi was arrested last month amid mounting allegations that some of his business ventures were used as fronts for illicit financial flows. Although initial details were scarce, EOCO’s latest briefing points to an intricate network of companies and offshore accounts linked to questionable contracts and unexplained cash movements.
Despite being granted bail, Wontumi remains a person of interest, and sources close to the investigation say he could be summoned again for further questioning. EOCO’s collaboration with international law enforcement could lead to asset freezes, extradition requests, or even additional charges should more evidence emerge.
While Wontumi has not commented publicly since his release, a statement from his legal team asserts his innocence and insists that he is cooperating fully with authorities. “Our client maintains that he has committed no wrongdoing and looks forward to clearing his name through the proper legal process,” the statement reads.
Political analysts view the case as a potential test of Ghana's commitment to tackling high-profile corruption. “This is no ordinary investigation. The sums involved and the political prominence of the accused place enormous pressure on the justice system to act decisively and transparently,” says Dr. Ama Ofori, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana.
The NPP leadership has so far remained tight-lipped, with no official party communication addressing the situation. Behind the scenes, however, party insiders suggest that the case could have implications for internal elections and the party’s image heading into the 2028 general elections.
Meanwhile, civil society groups are calling for full disclosure and accountability. “Ghanaians deserve to know the full scope of the alleged crimes and what steps are being taken to ensure justice is served,” said Kofi Owusu, spokesperson for the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition.
As EOCO continues its probe with mounting international attention, Chairman Wontumi may be out of police custody—but he’s certainly not out of trouble. The coming weeks will likely determine whether this is the beginning of a major legal saga or a politically charged distraction. Either way, the spotlight on Ghana’s fight against corruption has never been brighter.
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