The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has found himself in hot water as officials from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) arrested him on Tuesday, May 27. This came shortly after Wontumi had exited the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra, where he was being questioned over allegations of illegal mining activities.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Wontumi had reported to the CID in compliance with his bail conditions. On Monday, May 26, he was cautioned for allegedly engaging in mining operations without a license, polluting water bodies, and unlawfully entering a forest reserve.

The CID issued a statement confirming Wontumi’s appearance before investigators, accompanied by a legal team led by former Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame. After fully cooperating and submitting a formal statement, Wontumi was granted bail.

However, EOCO operatives intercepted and picked him up for further questioning as he left the CID headquarters on Tuesday. The exact reasons behind EOCO’s intervention remain unclear, as the agency is yet to release an official statement regarding the matter.

Chairman Wontumi has vehemently denied any involvement in illegal mining or any wrongdoing related to a reported payment from COCOBOD. He maintained that his mining operations were in compliance with legal requirements and accused his critics of engaging in political sabotage.

Despite his denial, his legal team has refrained from commenting on the latest developments, keeping a low profile as the case continues to attract national attention. The issue of illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, and their detrimental impact on Ghana’s environment remains a pressing concern.

The unfolding saga serves as a stark reminder of the need to address the scourge of illegal mining and protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.