Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has broken his silence following the revelation of a controversial GH₵50.87 million payment from COCOBOD.
The transaction, made on January 8, 2025—just days before the Akufo-Addo administration exited office—has sparked public outrage and led to a major investigation.
The payment was made to Hallmark Civil Engineering, a company owned by Wontumi, for a cocoa roads project. Reports indicate he withdrew GH₵11 million in cash and invested the remaining GH₵39 million in government securities. These funds were later transferred to Paradise Insurance Company, which is believed to be under his ownership.
This transaction reportedly violated a directive issued by then-Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, which instructed all government payments to be suspended pending a post-election transition review.
Addressing the issue on Wontumi Radio, he denied any wrongdoing and described the situation as politically motivated persecution by the Mahama administration. He claimed he has never held a ministerial or top government position. Wontumi further alleged that armed security personnel raided his home without a warrant, using excessive force, with a helicopter reportedly on standby to fly him to Tamale.
He also disclosed that his mining concession has not been active for seven years and is now home to over 50,000 coconut trees. Wontumi announced plans to sue the Lands Minister, insisting he possesses all legitimate documentation.
The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) is currently investigating the matter, with Wontumi’s accounts frozen.
