The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has reportedly conducted a search at the Tema residence of former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, according to his spokesperson, Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah. Editorial Ethics & Independence
The reported operation took place on Monday, November 9, 2026, while members of Wontumi’s family, including his children, were at the residence.
The development has generated fresh attention surrounding the ongoing investigations into the former NPP regional chairman and the activities of state investigative authorities.
Dr Palgrave Boakye Danquah disclosed the incident during an interview on TV3’s Daily Brief programme, where he provided details of information he said he had received from the family.
According to him, he received a telephone call from Wontumi’s family at approximately 3:00 p.m., informing him that a group of men had arrived at the residence and were seeking access to the property.
He explained that the children reportedly raised an alarm after noticing the presence of armed men at the gate. Their grandmother, who was also at the house, subsequently approached the individuals to establish their purpose.
Dr Boakye-Danquah said the men identified themselves as persons who had been instructed to visit the property to inspect and take measurements of the house and its contents.
He further alleged that the individuals entered the compound, moved around the residence and inspected various sections of the property for approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
The spokesperson expressed concern about the circumstances surrounding the operation, particularly because children were reportedly present during the visit.
He claimed that the officers went upstairs, where the children were spending time, and that their presence caused distress among the young family members.
According to his account, the officers also took photographs and videos during the exercise.
The children’s grandmother reportedly objected to being photographed alongside the children and asked the visitors to respect their privacy.
Dr Boakye Danquah identified one of the individuals as a person called Nortey, who he alleged was accompanied by four other officers.
He added that the individuals were dressed in civilian clothing and claimed they had received direct instructions to visit the property.
He also disclosed that the grandmother took photographs of an identification card presented by one of the individuals during the encounter.
Following the incident, Dr Boakye Danquah said he informed Wontumi’s lead counsel, lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea, who was engaging the Attorney-General to establish the legal basis and purpose of the reported visit. Corrections Policy
The spokesperson questioned whether the officers had the necessary legal authority to conduct the exercise, particularly in relation to the documents previously served on Wontumi’s legal representatives by EOCO.
He maintained that, from his understanding of the documents, they did not expressly authorise the officers to carry out the reported search at the residence.
However, as of the time the reports were published, EOCO had not issued an official statement confirming the operation or explaining its purpose.
It therefore remains unclear whether the visit was conducted under a search warrant, another lawful investigative authority or a different legal arrangement.
The reported incident comes amid a series of legal and investigative developments involving Chairman Wontumi, who is currently serving a 20 year prison sentence following his conviction in July 2026 over illegal mining activities on his Samreboi concession in the Western Region. He has appealed the conviction and sentence.
Separately, EOCO has filed an application at the High Court seeking the confiscation of several assets allegedly linked to Wontumi and companies associated with him.
These include the Akonta Mining Limited concession, mining equipment, landed properties, vehicles and approximately GH¢50 million invested in Treasury Bills through Paradise Insurance Limited.
The application forms part of investigations into suspected economic and financial crimes.
EOCO alleges that some of the assets were acquired using proceeds of crime, claims that remain subject to the legal process and any responses from the affected parties.
The latest reported visit to the Tema property has consequently raised questions about the relationship between the ongoing asset investigations and the treatment of properties connected to individuals facing criminal proceedings.
For Wontumi’s family, the circumstances surrounding the reported operation have also brought attention to the welfare and privacy of relatives who are not necessarily involved in the investigations. Editorial Standards
The incident highlights the importance of transparency and proper legal procedures when investigative agencies undertake operations involving private residences.
While agencies such as EOCO have a statutory responsibility to investigate suspected financial and organised crimes, their actions must be carried out within the limits of the law.
The public will be watching for an official explanation from EOCO regarding the reported visit, including whether any items were inspected or removed and the legal authority under which the officers allegedly entered the property.
Until the agency provides further clarification, the account of the operation remains based primarily on statements from Wontumi’s spokesperson and family.
The development adds another chapter to the ongoing legal challenges facing the former NPP regional chairman, with attention now turning to EOCO’s response and whether further details will emerge about the reported search at his Tema residence.