The Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Yandoh, has alleged that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) subjected party chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to harsh and inhumane treatment during his detention.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, Mr. Yandoh claimed Wontumi was left visibly traumatised after spending six days in EOCO custody.
“He was shaking and shivering. He couldn’t even sit properly when he was released. Chairman Wontumi has not even shared the full trauma he went through, but so many things have changed about him,” Yandoh said.
He further alleged that Wontumi went without food during his detention because he feared for his life.
“For six days, he didn’t eat. He told me he couldn’t eat because the person who brought him food had covered his face,” Yandoh added.
Mr. Yandoh claimed that EOCO officers kept the NPP regional chairman in a cramped space and treated him poorly, describing their conduct as “mafia tactics.”
“They wanted to kill him. They treated him like a criminal. But Chairman Wontumi is a genuine person, and he told them everything they wanted to know because he has nothing to hide,” he claimed.
According to Yandoh, despite the smiles Wontumi wore after his release, he was still suffering and forced himself to appear strong for the cameras.
“People thought he was okay because he smiled and waved. But I was close to him after his release, and I know what he was going through. He even raised one of his legs to show he was fine, but in truth, he was limping,” he recounted.
Chairman Wontumi was released from EOCO custody on bail after meeting conditions set at GH₵50 million with two sureties to be justified.
His arrest sparked strong criticism from within the NPP, with several party members describing the bail conditions as excessive and politically motivated.
Despite the ordeal, Yandoh said Wontumi remains ready to cooperate with any investigations. “He is innocent and has nothing to fear,” he said.
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