The Full Reasons Why Chairman Wontumi Was Arrested

In a recent interview on Asempa FM’s ‘Ekosii Sen’ on Monday, May 26, 2025, NDC Ashanti Regional Communications Director Abass Nurudeen shed light on the reasons behind Chairman Wontumi’s search, invitation and arrest by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and National Security and The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

Nurudeen asserted that Chairman Wontumi was not targeted because of his political status but due to serious allegations of corrupt activities and abuse of power that warranted investigation by security agencies.

Specific Allegations:

Nurudeen claims, Wontumi is accused of engaging in the misappropriation of public funds meant for development projects in the Ashanti Region. According to him, there have been reports and complaints alleging that funds allocated to local projects were diverted for personal use or to benefit cronies.

Land and Property Fraud:

He also alleged that Wontumi has been involved in illegal land deals and property fraud, exploiting his political influence to acquire or sell land without due process, sometimes displacing vulnerable communities in the process.

Besides the above, Nurudeen highlighted that Wontumi has used his position to intimidate political opponents and local officials who question his dealings, creating a climate of fear and reducing transparency in the region.

Party Financing:

The communication director also added that investigations include Wontumi’s role in questionable party financing activities, hinting that some campaign funds and donations may have come from dubious sources, potentially violating electoral laws.

Why the National Security Invitation?

According to Abass Nurudeen, the National Security and NIB’s invitation to Wontumi followed these serious allegations surfacing from whistleblowers and local investigations. He emphasized that:

• The agencies acted on credible intelligence suggesting wrongdoing.

• The search and invitation are part of due diligence to ensure accountability, not political victimization.

• No one, regardless of political stature, should be immune from scrutiny, especially when it concerns corruption.

He warned that attempts to dismiss the search as a political witch-hunt are deliberate distractions from the real issue of holding powerful individuals accountable.

Prof. Osafo Decries Abuse Of State Security: A Threat To Our Democracy

This move also places pressure on the NPP to respond substantively rather than through defensive rhetoric, according to Abass Nurudeen.

He urged the public and political actors to avoid framing the investigation as political persecution. Instead, he called for a focus on transparency and justice, emphasizing that accountability must apply to all Ghanaians, especially those in positions of power.

“The rule of law must prevail. Corruption and abuse of power cannot be tolerated, regardless of who is involved,” Nurudeen said.

Meanwhile, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has arrested Chairman Wontumi for further questioning after he was immediately released by National security on Tuesday May 27, 2025.