There's a heavy security presence at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO)in Accra today, Friday, May 30.

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The deployment of police is in response to the large numbers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters who have thronged EOCO's headquarters protesting the continued detention of Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi.

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Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is expected to join the protestors.

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Chairman Wontumi spent Wednesday night in the custody of EOCO's headquarters.

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EOCO arrested Chairman Wontumi on Tuesday after he appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service at 3pm.

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He was sent to the hospital over illness and was sent to EOCO's custody after getting better.

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He failed to make a ¢50 million bail with two sureties, both of which must be justified. According to the Minority, the bail is exorbitant and must be varied.

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On Tuesday, supporters of the opposition party massed up at the EOCO office, demanding the release of Wontumi.

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The Ashanti Regional Chairman voluntarily made an appearance at the CID headquarters on Monday alongside his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame, after an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

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He was cautioned on the following allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, entering a forest reserve without authorisation and pollution of water bodies.

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However, according to sources, Chairman Wontumi denied these claims during his interrogation, presenting documents to authenticate his claims.

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He insists he was not involved in any illegal mining activities or operating in any forest reserve.

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Following the interrogations, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

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This follows a failed attempt by a joint team of national security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on May 23.

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After the failed search attempt, Mr Boasiako expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence.

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The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

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During the press briefing, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

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Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

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Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

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The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

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The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

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The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, argues that the minister's statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

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Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has pledged to pursue every possible avenue until Wontumi is released from custody.

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