Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been granted bail to the tune of GH¢50 million with two sureties, both to be justified.

This follows his arrest by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Tuesday, May 27, after he reported to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for questioning. He was subsequently held at the EOCO head office in Accra.

His lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, confirmed to Graphic Online that his client is being investigated on allegations of causing financial loss to the state.

The bail, he explained, is part of a police enquiry process that allows Chairman Wontumi to be released temporarily while investigations continue.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service had earlier on Tuesday invited Mr Boasiako to assist with ongoing investigations into alleged illegal mining activities, commonly known as ‘galamsey’.

He had previously been cautioned over accusations of engaging in mining without a licence, polluting water bodies, and encroaching on forest reserves.

After honouring the CID’s invitation, he was picked up by officials from the EOCO and transported to their head office for further questioning, reportedly on related matters.

News of his arrest sparked swift reactions from a large number of New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters and party executives, who massed at EOCO’s premises to demand his release.