Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, has confirmed that Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is currently under investigation for a series of serious criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Justice Srem-Sai disclosed that the ongoing investigation is being handled by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), with asset recovery efforts already underway to secure suspected 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),” the Deputy Attorney General stated.
Chairman Wontumi
He added that the criminal investigation is running concurrently with asset recovery proceedings “to prevent further dissipation of what law enforcement agencies strongly suspect to be proceeds of crime.”
The Deputy Attorney General further revealed that a second, more complex strand of investigation is also ongoing. This second phase, he explained, is linked to a larger international organised crime network. EOCO, according to him, is collaborating with global law enforcement partners to uncover the full scope of Wontumi’s alleged involvement.
“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,” he added.
This latest development comes amid heightened political tensions, with the NPP Minority in Parliament alleging political persecution and accusing President John Mahama of targeting Wontumi for political reasons.
Chairman Wontumi, who serves as the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, is a prominent figure within the party and has been a vocal and visible player in the party’s campaign machinery.
While EOCO has yet to officially comment on the details of the investigation, the Deputy Attorney General’s statement marks the most direct public confirmation to date of the serious nature and scope of the allegations facing the NPP stalwart.Source:Abigail Arthur
The suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornor, has suffered yet another defeat in her attempt to halt the proceedings by the five-member committee set up to probe the three petitions seeking her removal.
On Wednesday, May 28, the Supreme Court unanimously dismissed her injunction application against the committee.
Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, on May 21, filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to restrain a committee set up by President John Mahama to investigate petitions seeking her removal from office.
In the suit, she requested an interlocutory injunction to halt all proceedings of the committee, pending the final determination of the case.
According to Court documents, the Chief Justice wanted the Supreme Court to issue an order restraining the six-member committee, composed of Justices Gabriel Scott Pwamang and Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, as well as Daniel Yao Domelevo, Major Flora Bazuwaaruah Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah Dziasah, from proceeding with any inquiry related to the petitions brought against her.
The application also sought to bar Justices Pwamang and Adibu-Asiedu from presiding or participating in any deliberations of the committee.
Further, the Chief Justice was also asking the court to suspend the operation of the warrant for her suspension issued by the President under Article 146(10) of the Constitution until a final determination is made on the matter.
Other legal actions taken by some individuals and a group at the Supreme Court against the processes so far by the Committee have been dismissed. Source: Myjoyonline.com
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has been released by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
Chairman Wontumi, as he is popularly known, left the premises of the security agency moments ago, accompanied by his lawyers.
The party official told journalists that he provided documentation to the police during his interrogation, which proved that he was not involved in any illegal mining activities.
Chairman Wontumi
He further explained that he presented further proof that he was not mining in any forest reserve.
Mr Boasiako was granted bail with two sureties.
Wontumi earlier today turned himself in to the Ghana Police Service following last week’s failed attempt by operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to execute a search warrant at his Kumasi home on May 23.
A tense standoff ensued on that day when heavily armed national security operatives tried to enter his residence with a court-approved search warrant.
According to JoyNews, the operation was close to leading to an arrest when Chairman Wontumi raised an alarm, drawing a crowd of supporters to the scene.
The state is pursuing Bernard Antwi Boasiako for his alleged involvement in illegal mining activities through his company, Akonta Mining.
Earlier this month, Land and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah announced the termination of the Akonta Mining lease. Wontumi, however, is challenging the cancellation in court.
Source: Kenneth Awot
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has turned himself in to the Ghana Police Service.
This follows last week’s failed attempt by operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to execute a search warrant at his Kumasi home.
The development comes days after a tense standoff on May 23, when heavily armed national security operatives tried to enter his residence with a court-approved search warrant.
According to JoyNews, the operation was close to leading to an arrest when Chairman Wontumi raised an alarm, drawing a crowd of supporters to the scene.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka Chairman Wontumi
The standoff prompted negotiations between the operatives and Wontumi’s legal team. The operatives eventually withdrew, and Wontumi’s lawyers agreed to present him to the police on Monday.”
JoyNews is learning that the state is pursuing Bernard Antwi Boasiako for his alleged involvement in illegal mining activities through his company, Akonta Mining.
Earlier this month, Land and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah announced the termination of the Akonta Mining lease. Wontumi, however, is challenging the cancellation in court.
His lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, is surprised at the turn of events.
“When somebody is asleep and a team of about 20 fully armed security personnel confronts you in the early morning like that, that in itself can constitute a breach of a spinoff,” he said.
But Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi insists the move is lawful and part of due process. “They should go to court if they think that what is going on is wrong. But that will not stop the security services from doing their duty,” he said.Source: Myjoyonline.com
A combined team of National Security operatives and Police officers, has stormed the residence of Mr.Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The operation, which is currently ongoing, has seen the security personnel surround the premises, although the reasons for the raid remain unclear. It is also not yet confirmed whether Chairman Wontumi ,is present in the house.
Some scenes from the operation
Channel One TV’s Journalist Hafiz Tijani, reporting from the scene, said tension is high in the area as the heavily armed officers maintain a firm presence around the compound.More details soon…By:Hafiz Tijani
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to removing beggars and street dwellers from major cities across the country.
During a working visit to the Northern Region, the minister announced that his ministry, in collaboration with the security services, will soon launch a nationwide operation targeting five key cities, including Tamale.
Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak
Speaking on Thursday, May 22, at the commissioning of a four-storey, 24-unit apartment block constructed by the State Housing Company for the Ghana Immigration Service in Tamale, Muntaka reiterated the government’s resolve to restore order and decency to urban streets.
He revealed that a recent swoop in Accra led to the apprehension of over 2,000 foreign beggars, nearly half of whom have already been repatriated. He added that the remaining individuals are expected to be processed and removed by the end of the week.
The front view of the 4-storey,24-unit apartment block for Ghana Immigration Service at Tamale
The minister also issued a stern warning to prostitutes operating openly on the streets, emphasizing that they too would be removed and repatriated to their respective countries.
The Asawase lawmaker cautioned such individuals to leave voluntarily or face forced removal by the ministry.
“The beggars are not a nuisance but a threat to our national security. By the close of this week, we should be able to finish removing all of them. I can assure the rest of them that they either return to where they are coming from, because very soon, we are coming after all of them, including the prostitutes who are parading on almost all our streets. We will not rest on our oars, we will go after them until we remove all of them,” he warned.
Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has condemned the gruesome murder of an official of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in the Upper East Region.
In a release on Tuesday, May 20, the MP for Bawku Central criticised the perpetrators of the dastardly act and called for justice.
“I hereby condemn, in no uncertain terms, the shooting, killing and burning of the body of Mohammed Seidu Akugri, who was the Bongo district director of the National Health Insurance Authority. The attack on him took place in Nangodi near Bolgatanga,” he stated.
He shared condolences with the family of the deceased and entreated “law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate and apprehend the perpetrators of this dastardly act”.
Mahama Ayariga
“I urge all to remain calm, and let’s focus on the ongoing efforts of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to bring a lasting solution to the Bawku situation. I commend the youth for the restraint displayed so far and their recent efforts to maintain peace in Bawku. Significant progress is being made, and no one should be allowed to derail the process,” he added.
This heartbreaking incident adds to the growing list of casualties in the ongoing Bawku conflict, which has extended across the region and other parts of the north.
A decades-long dispute between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, with over 300 deaths since November 2021.
A recent surge in violence has claimed scores of lives since hostilities reignited in October 2024.
The situation has become alarming, with no lives being spared as infants, soldiers, police officers, and other professionals have been killed in the last few months by armed assailants.
The attacks have added to the growing sense of insecurity and prompted calls for enhanced protection of public servants and essential service providers, particularly in volatile areas.
Despite intensified efforts by the government and security forces to contain the unrest and safeguard residents, armed groups continue to carry out deadly attacks, causing widespread fear and uncertainty.
Many families have been displaced, and economic activities in the region have been severely disrupted.
As authorities explore lasting solutions to the conflict, revered chieftaincy leaders led by Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, are engaging with factions of the warmongering groups.
The Asantehene has reaffirmed his commitment to resolving the long-standing dispute, stating that discussions with key stakeholders are ongoing to bring lasting peace to the area.Source: David Apinga
The Ashanti regional police Command,has confirmed the arrest of a 16-year-old Form Two student of Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) by the Tafo Pankrono Divisional Police Command for unlawful possession of a locally manufactured firearm.
According to the police, the weapon was discovered during a routine search conducted by school authorities in the student dormitory on the morning of Tuesday, May 14, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m.
The student, whose identity has been withheld due to his age, was immediately detained by the school and handed over to the police.
During police interrogation, the student alleged that the firearm belonged to his stepfather, identified as Mr. Daniel Owusu Baafi. Following this revelation, Mr. Baafi was arrested on Thursday, May 15, 2025, to assist with investigations.
Both the student and his stepfather have since been granted police enquiry bail. They are expected to report to the police on Monday, May 19, 2025, for further investigation into the matter.
The police have assured the public that the case is being thoroughly investigated to determine the circumstances surrounding the possession of the weapon.
GHANA POLICE SERVICE
ASHANTI REGIONAL POLICE COMMAND
PUBLIC AFFAIRS UNIT
KUMASI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Thursday, 15th May 2025
The Ashanti Regional Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on Thursday, 15th May 2025, the Kumasi High Court, presided over by Justice Abdul Razak convicted and sentenced Dominic Afriyie, 36, also known as GH, to 120 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for two counts of robbery, and life imprisonment for murder.
On 20th November 2021, the convict attacked the residence of the late Michael Dela Agbo Klu and his family at gunpoint at Atasemanso, Kumasi. During the robbery, the convict stole two mobile phones, an ASUS Zenbook laptop, and a cash amount of GH¢1,500. Tragically, he shot and killed Mr. Klu, aged 43, a pharmacist and building contractor.
The convict
Following this incident, on 30th December 2021, police received intelligence regarding a planned robbery in the Atasemanso area. A surveillance operation was swiftly initiated. On 31st December 2021, at 2:20 a.m., a police team arrested Dominic Afriyie (now convict) and three others in a Toyota Corolla saloon car with registration number AS 5970-20. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two pistols and two single-barreled shotguns.
Subsequent investigations confirmed that Dominic Afriyie acted alone in the robbery and murder of Mr. Michael Dela Agbo Klu.
He was arraigned before the High Court, Kumasi, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. However, after a full trial, the presiding judge and a seven-member jury found him guilty. He has since been sentenced accordingly.
Signed
GODWIN AHIANYO
DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE
HEAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS/ ASHANTI REGION
The Ashanti Regional police command,has made major breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery and illicit drugs as result of successful three operations .
According to the Command,on Thursday, 8th May 2025, at about 1:00 PM, three armed men,Umar Issah (26), Sherif Mohammed (20), and Abdul Jalelu (19), attacked and robbed two residents in the Kenyasi area.
some of the suspects
The suspects, operating on three separate motorbikes, forcibly took the victims’ mobile phones and attempted to flee the scene.
ASP Godwin Ahianyo,the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer ( PRO) for the Command, commended the swift action by the Kenyasi Police Patrol Team, the suspects were apprehended shortly after the incident.
He said during the pursuit, suspect Sherif Mohammed sustained a gunshot wound to the right rib, while the others also suffered various injuries.
According to him,all three suspects are currently receiving medical treatment under strict police guard at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital”.
The full statement is attached below;
MEDIA BRIEFING BY THE ASHANTI REGIONAL POLICE COMMAND
VENUE: M.A ALHASSAN CONFERENCE HALL
DATE: WEDNESDAY 14TH MAY,2025
TIME: 11:00 AM
TOPIC: UPDATE ON RECENT SECURITY OPERATIONS IN THE ASHANTI REGION
Good morning, members of the media, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command welcomes you to this media briefing, where we provide updates on key security developments within the region over the past week.
We wish to inform the public about a recent successful operation involving the arrest of three suspected armed robbers who have been terrorizing residents of Kenyasi and its environs.
On Thursday, 8th May 2025, at about 1:00 PM, three armed men,Umar Issah (26), Sherif Mohammed (20), and Abdul Jalelu (19), attacked and robbed two residents in the Kenyasi area. The suspects, operating on three separate motorbikes, forcibly took the victims’ mobile phones and attempted to flee the scene.
Thanks to swift action by the Kenyasi Police Patrol Team, the suspects were apprehended shortly after the incident. During the pursuit, suspect Sherif Mohammed sustained a gunshot wound to the right rib, while the others also suffered various injuries. All three suspects are currently receiving medical treatment under strict police guard at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
The stolen mobile phones and the motorbikes used in the robbery have been retrieved and are being held for evidential purposes as investigations continue.
We commend the vigilance and professionalism of our patrol teams and urge the public to remain cooperative in our shared effort to ensure safety and security in the Ashanti Region.
2
ARREST OF SUSPECT FOR DEALING IN NARCOTIC SUBSTANCES
In a recent development, the Airport District Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old suspect, Adam Mohamed, for his involvement in the illegal trade of narcotic substances.
The arrest took place on Saturday, 10th May 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m. during a special police operation conducted at Aboabo No.1. The operation was aimed at apprehending individuals engaged in narcotics trafficking within the area.
During the search, police retrieved the following items from the suspect:
• 35 packs of 250mg Tramadol
• 28 packs of 120mg Tramadol
• 11 packs of 225mg Tramadol
• Approximately 50 empty cartons used for packaging and transporting the drugs
Additionally, an amount of Sixty-Six Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifty Ghana Cedis (GHS 66,950.00) was discovered in the suspect’s room. The cash is believed to be proceeds from the sale of the illicit drugs and has been retrieved for evidential purposes.
The suspect is currently in police custody and assisting with investigations. All exhibits, including the narcotic substances and the cash, have been secured for further investigation and legal proceedings.
3
The Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region wishes to inform the public about a recent breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery in the Denchemuoso District.
Following a series of robbery incidents in the area, on 22nd April 2025, PID/Ashanti operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Michael Owusu Ansah, alias Baby Last, aged 32. The suspect had been on the police wanted list since 2016 in connection with a robbery and the murder of Police Officer G/Cpl Frank Essel of SWAT/Ashanti, which occurred at the Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso on 19th May 2016.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to engaging in multiple street and residential robberies in Denchemuoso, Atwima-Techiman, Asuoyeboah, and surrounding areas. He also disclosed that his gang operated with knives, pistols, and pump-action guns.
Further investigations led to the identification and arrest of his accomplices, namely:
• Emmanuel Owusu, alias Cassidy, 30 years, unemployed
• Maxwell Gyimah, alias Nana Kwame, 31 years, unemployed
• Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah, alias The Man Sudais
some of the suspects
