Former NPP MP opens on Wontumi’s Mild Stroke
Hon. George Oduro has firmly dismissed rumours that Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, faked an illness—specifically a mild stroke—to avoid facing the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
The former Member of Parliament for New Edubease provided clarification on the state of Wontumi’s health following his recent encounter with EOCO. Speaking in defence of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hon. Oduro explained that Wontumi’s pale appearance and physical weakness after his release from EOCO were due to his refusal to eat or drink while in custody—not because of any stroke.
According to him, Chairman Wontumi went five days without consuming food or water, a situation which naturally led to his deteriorated physical state.
His explanation comes in direct response to comments made by the Member of Parliament for Garu, Dr. Thomas Anabah, who accused Chairman Wontumi of pretending to be ill in an attempt to dodge accountability. Dr. Anabah, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), had earlier stated publicly, “There shouldn’t be any sympathy. There is no stroke in him. He’s just pretending.”
However, Hon. George Oduro challenged the medical expertise of Dr. Anabah, expressing surprise at his assertions. “I will be surprised if he is a medical doctor,” he said in disbelief.
Oduro stood by his claim that Chairman Wontumi had not suffered a stroke. “He didn’t suffer mild stroke,” he insisted. “He refused food and water for five days.”
He went on to explain that it is common medical knowledge that a person’s body would begin to break down after just three days without water, and that Wontumi had gone without nourishment for five days. “Why would he fake?” he questioned, suggesting that no one would deliberately starve themselves to appear ill.
Hon. Oduro’s statements add another layer to the ongoing political and legal saga surrounding Chairman Wontumi, who was recently granted bail by EOCO after facing charges related to alleged financial misconduct.