The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka Chairman Wontumi, has been released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), five days after securing a bail.
That was after Chairman Wontumi, who is under investigations on suspicion of multiple criminal offences, including fraud, money laundering and causing financial loss to the state, successfully executed his bail condition set by the investigative body.
With his release, the suspect will now assist with investigations from home and is expected to make himself available as and when he is needed.
The NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, who confirmed his release to journalists and party members yesterday, commended the Member of Parliament (MP) for Abetifi in the Eastern Region, Dr Bryan Acheampong, for availing himself as surety.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service had earlier last Tuesday, invited Mr Boasiako to assist with ongoing investigations linked to alleged illegal mining (galamsey) activities.
He had previously been cautioned over accusations of mining without a licence, activities that are polluting water bodies and encroachment of forest reserves.
However, after honouring the CID’s invitation, he was subsequently picked up by EOCO officials and transported to their head office for further questioning, reportedly on related issues.
In a post last Thursday, the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, explained that Chairman Wontumi was under investigations for multiple criminal offences including fraud, money laundering and causing financial loss to the state,
According to the Deputy A-G, the ongoing criminal investigation is running concurrently with asset recovery efforts to prevent the suspected proceeds of crime from being dissipated.
He also gave a hint of a second strand of investigations involving Chairman Wontumi’s alleged role in a larger international organised crime scheme.
EOCO is said to be working closely with international law enforcement partners in this regard, he indicated.
According to the Deputy A-G, the ongoing criminal investigation is running concurrently with asset recovery efforts to prevent the suspected proceeds of crime from being dissipated.
He also gave a hint of a second strand of investigations involving Chairman Wontumi’s alleged role in a larger international organised crime scheme.
EOCO is said to be working closely with international law enforcement partners in this regard, he indicated.
