Details are emerging, as to why the bank accounts of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias “Chairman Wontumi, have been frozen, prompting attempts by state security officers to involve him in ongoing investigations by the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), which Albert Kojo Twum Boafo, heads.
The Herald’s information is that, the controversial figure, often described as a “galamsey kingpin,” received a substantial government payment from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) during the final days of the Akufo-Addo administration, in breach of a directive issued by the then Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah.
According to credible sources, on January 8, 2025, Wontumi received a whopping GH₵50,871,811.52 from the then-Deputy Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Emmanuel Ray Ankrah.
This payment was made, despite Mr Debrah’s explicit instruction to all state institutions to suspend payments until the incoming government had reviewed all outstanding payment certificates.
The payment was made for a cocoa roads project executed by Hallmark Civil Engineering, a company owned by Mr Boasiako. The transaction has since attracted public condemnation, with critics describing it as a flagrant breach of due process.
Interestingly, Mr Boasiako, had earlier taken to his Wontumi Radio network to deny receiving any state funds, urging Ghanaians, particularly NPP supporters, to resist what he described as harassment by the Mahama administration.
He, further claimed he was being treated, as though he were no longer a citizen of Ghana. Addressing NPP sympathisers, he stated the government was persecuting him because of his loyalty to the party.
“I have never been a Vice-President, a board member, a CEO, or a minister, just a Regional Chairman who campaigned tirelessly for his party. We didn’t win; you did. You’re the President of Ghana, shouldn’t that be enough for you?
“In 2013, you did the same and destroyed my businesses. But when we came to power, I didn’t retaliate. Since your return to office, you’ve shut down all my companies and even frozen my bank accounts. I can’t eat. It’s hard to pay my children’s school fees, even though no government money is with me.”
Following the unauthorised payment, Mr Boasiako, reportedly withdrew GH₵11 million in cash and invested a further GH₵39 million in 365-day government securities. He is said to have later transferred those securities to Paradise Insurance Company, another firm believed to be under his ownership.
The freezing of his accounts, forms part of a broader investigation into alleged financial irregularities and the abuse of public funds.
“He owes the public the truth about his dealings. The least he can do is be honest with Ghanaians about how he benefited from criminal conduct,” a source close to the investigation told The Herald.
At the time of filing this report, neither Mr Boasiako nor his legal representatives had issued a public response to the developments.
Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Chairman, has accused state security forces of intimidation and unlawful conduct, following a raid on his residence by a combined team of police and National Security operatives.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen show on Friday, May 23, Mr Boasiako, recounted that the incident began with a confrontation lasting approximately 30 minutes, during which five vehicles arrived at his home.
He alleged that the officers attempted to conduct their operation without a warrant, prompting him to resist. “So, why this intimidation?” he questioned.
He expressed deep concern over what he described as unfair treatment.
“During the NPP administration, I was never chairman of any board, never a CEO, and never a Vice-President. What exactly have I done to deserve this? I am only a regional chairman who campaigned for his party. Unfortunately, we lost—so what more?”
According to him, after placing distress calls to political allies and authorities, the officers left—only to return with a force of around 100 armed military and police personnel.
Armed with rifles, hammers, pickaxes, and canes, they allegedly attempted to break down his door.
Mr Boasiako, expressed alarm at the implications for Ghana’s democratic stability.
“If care is not taken, I fear this nation could be heading towards a military coup,” he warned.
“If the President presides over such lawlessness, while we have institutions to summon accused persons properly, then this is a serious threat to our democracy. The more power you wield, the more mindful you must be of its limits. I am genuinely afraid of the direction this country is heading.”
He further revealed that a helicopter had been positioned on standby to airlift him to Tamale immediately following his arrest.
Mr Boasiako called on President Mahama to rein in his officials, alleging that all his bank accounts—including those linked to Akonta Mining and other companies he owns—had been frozen.
Responding to allegations regarding his business operations, he stated that he had not visited his mining concession in seven years, having instead leased it to others for the cultivation of coconut trees.
He claims approximately 18,000 coconut trees have been planted, with plans to plant an additional 32,000, bringing the total to nearly 50,000. He also maintained that he had never entered the Samreboi forestry concession.
Mr Boasiako, disclosed that he has initiated legal action against the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
He insists, he holds legitimate documentation for his concessions, comparable to licences granted to major mining firms such as AngloGold and Newmont, yet remains barred from operating.