Here is how Chairman Wontumi was transferred from EOCO to NIB
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, has now been moved to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). This move follows days of public drama, political tension, and back-and-forth between state agencies since his arrest.
Previously held at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters, Wontumi’s case has now caught the full attention of the nation, as top political figures and party supporters continue to push for his release.
Dr. Bawumia Steps In to Help Meet GHS 50 Million Bail
Flagbearer of the NPP for the 2024 elections and former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has taken the lead in efforts to meet the GHS 50 million bail conditions imposed on Wontumi by EOCO.
Dr. Bawumia has not only visited Wontumi but is also reportedly coordinating efforts to gather the two justified sureties required by EOCO. These sureties must prove ownership of property or assets worth GHS 50 million or more—a tough demand that has stalled Wontumi’s release for days.
Multiple sources within the NPP say Dr. Bawumia is working behind the scenes, engaging key party financiers and officials to help secure Wontumi’s freedom as soon as possible.
Heavy Security Presence at NIB as Party Bigwigs Visit
Since Wontumi’s transfer to the NIB facility, there has been a large presence of police and security officers guarding the premises. This is mainly because many top NPP figures, including Members of Parliament, regional executives, and party communicators, have been visiting him regularly.
The crowd outside the NIB office continues to grow by the day, as hundreds of loyal NPP supporters show up to chant slogans, show solidarity, and call for his immediate release. The situation has required police reinforcements to maintain law and order around the premises.
Supporters, mostly clad in NPP colours and chanting “Free Wontumi Now!”, have vowed not to leave until he is released.
Timeline of Events: From CID Arrest to EOCO Custody
Wontumi’s troubles began on Tuesday, May 27, when he was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. He was reportedly picked up over allegations of financial crime, though details were not made public at the time.
After spending a few hours with the CID, he was released—but his freedom was short-lived. Officers from EOCO immediately took over and detained him at their offices. There, Wontumi was officially informed that he was under investigation for a number of serious financial crimes.
He was granted bail on Wednesday, May 28, with the condition that he must provide GHS 50 million with two justified sureties. Despite efforts, the bail conditions were not immediately met, which meant he remained in custody.
Minority MPs Protest at EOCO Headquarters
Tension rose further on Thursday, May 29, when Minority Members of Parliament from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) marched from Parliament to EOCO headquarters in protest.
The MPs demanded the immediate release of Chairman Wontumi, claiming his continued detention was political and unlawful. Their protest brought traffic around EOCO to a standstill and drew a heavy police response.
After hours of chanting and demanding answers, the MPs later returned to Parliament the following day, ending their short boycott.
Deputy Attorney General Confirms Serious Charges Against Wontumi
While supporters demand Wontumi’s freedom, the Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, has confirmed that Wontumi is being investigated for multiple serious crimes.
In a statement posted on his X account (formerly Twitter), Justice Srem-Sai said Wontumi is being probed for the following alleged offences:
Fraud
Causing financial loss to the State
Money laundering
He further revealed that EOCO has already begun asset recovery processes, indicating that the agency suspects Wontumi may have acquired assets through illegal means.
“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 wrote.
This statement was the first official confirmation from the Attorney General’s office since the arrest, and it has added more weight to the seriousness of the case.