Public Interest Advocate Rodaline Imoru Ayarna has defended the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), stating that its decision to summon Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, was justified.
Speaking on TV3’s NewsDay on Thursday, May 9, 2025, she questioned Wontumi’s choice to evade authorities rather than honour EOCO’s invitation peacefully.
“Wontumi was invited because of certain things EOCO feels didn’t go right in his company Akonta when it comes to fighting illegal mining (galamsey). I guess many of us in this country has heard Wontumi on numerous occasions sounding very bravado. He’s come out to say he has his own army, he’s a governor, so, one would have expected that if he was invited to EOCO, he would have just avail himself peacefully, instead of just playing hide and seek,” she remarked.
Ayarna also dismissed claims that EOCO’s approach resembled a “Rambo-style” operation, stating, “I didn’t see anyone wielding guns or forcing people off the streets like Rambo did.”
She expressed concern over the devastating effects of illegal mining on Ghana’s natural resources and public health.
“Wontumi is not a small person. He is the chairman of the New Patriotic Party in their stronghold that is the Ashanti Region. He holds a lot of power. Also, the case at hand is also a very dear case for Ghanaians because pollution of our water bodies, mining in our forest zones is bringing in so many issues,” she explained.
She highlighted alarming health risks linked to contaminated food, stating, “We are looking at children that are being birth with deformities. No eyes, no mouth, no nose, three fingers, and others. We are looking at the food we all eat, the tubers, vegetables. If you go out there today and you buy cassava, we don’t know where it is coming from, it’s a root crop, its coming from the forest area. So, you can imagine the type of metals we are all consuming. Some of us might think we are buying bottled water but you forget that the ordinary Kontomire you go to the market to buy has metal in it. And these are being caused by illegal miners of whom EOCO feels Wontumi is part of.”
Ayarna reiterated that Wontumi must present himself for questioning, asserting that accountability is essential.
“People will have to understand that you have to answer for your sins, you can’t run away. You can’t have a media trial of this issue.”
Ayarna also criticized NPP supporters who gathered at EOCO’s premises, burning tyres and attacking journalists in protest.
“They should be law abiding, make sure Wontumi abides by the rules. I don’t think EOCO has done anything wrong,” she stated.
Recall that Wontumi presented himself for interrogation at the Police Headquarters on Monday and was granted bail. He returned on Tuesday, to report himself as part of his bail conditions.
Recall that Wontumi was granted bail after interrogation at the Police Headquarters but was later taken into EOCO custody.
His lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, reported that he was taken to the hospital after falling ill during interrogation.
Despite being granted bail, Wontumi remains in custody pending fulfillment of bail conditions.
