Attempts by the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias “Chairman Wontumi”, to suggest he had suffered a stroke collapsed less than 24 hours after his release from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), exposing the episode as mere theatrics.
His lead counsel, Andy Appiah-Kudi, had earlier claimed he fell ill while in custody and was rushed to an undisclosed hospital. Upon his release, he was seen holding onto Justin Frimpong Kodua, the NPP General Secretary, and walking as though partially paralysed.
Citing his health condition, Mr Kodua stated that Chairman Wontumi had gone home to rest following his release from EOCO custody.
However, the very next day, he was seen walking unaided, happily lifting and twisting both legs in front of Mr Kodua, a stark contrast to the image of a man struck by a stroke that he had portrayed earlier. The stroke performance had attracted considerable public sympathy for Wontumi.
Viral videos circulating on social media clearly showed that he was not in any form of medical distress, casting doubt on his claims of ill health and fuelling speculation that he had attempted to deceive law enforcement officers.
Chairman Wontumi later visited Dr. Bryan Acheampong to thank him for his timely intervention in securing a surety for his release from EOCO custody.
Observers noted no signs of facial drooping, limb weakness, or numbness, especially on the left side, nor speech difficulties, such as slurring or incoherence, all of which are typical indicators of a stroke.
Enoch Afoakwa, one of his lawyers, had also claimed that Wontumi had moved straight from EOCO’s cells to a hospital due to critical illness. However, this narrative also fell apart when he was seen yesterday thanking the NPP General Secretary for facilitating his release and mingling freely with supporters.
Mr Afoakwa defended his client’s actions, stating, “As far back as last week, or the week before, his health was not that good. We informed the police accordingly during the investigations and suggested a suitable time for him to respond.”
“He did so diligently. However, whilst on his way home, he was arrested and detained by EOCO. For an ailing person, you don’t reasonably expect to see him in full health and strength as he once was.”
“His medics need to take care of him, and we believe that now he is out, he will secure their services to restore his health to normalcy.”
“At this stage, I don’t think he is in his full frame of mind due to his health condition. When you see him, it’s clear that his health has deteriorated, and he needs medical attention. I believe that after a few days of rest and medical attention, he will be able to review his notes and determine the next course of action.”
“Currently, anyone who has regained his liberty from law enforcement in an ailing condition must take appropriate steps first, to regain good health; second, to rest; and third, to consider the next steps regarding the circumstances surrounding his arrest, detention, and release.”
Earlier, Mr Kodua had insisted that Wontumi had gone home to rest after his release. Yet, he was later seen at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, celebrating with cheers and hugs from supporters and NPP bigwigs, once again showing no signs consistent with that of a stroke patient.
Instead of heading to the hospital, Chairman Wontumi visited the party’s national leadership in Accra.
Yesterday, Tuesday, 3 June 2025, he visited the NPP headquarters to express gratitude for the party’s national leadership’s support in Accra.
He was received by the General Secretary, Mr Kodua, and warmly welcomed by enthusiastic party supporters.
Chairman Wontumi was granted bail of GHS50 million after his arrest on Tuesday, 27 May.
He is currently under investigation for alleged offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.
Despite the serious allegations, he has received backing from several senior members of the NPP, including national executives.
