The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has denied allegations that its personnel ransacked a property belonging to the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi. According to EOCO, its officials visited the property in Tema to obtain geographical coordinates and measurements required for a professional valuation. This exercise was part of the established legal procedures following the seizure and freezing of the property, which received judicial confirmation last year.
EOCO explained that the visit was specifically intended to gather the necessary technical information to enable the Lands Commission to undertake an independent and professional assessment of the property's value. The exercise lasted less than 10 minutes and proceeded without any confrontation, disturbance or other untoward incident. EOCO questioned the description of the operation as a ransacking, insisting that the characterisation did not reflect what actually transpired during the visit.
The Office maintained that its personnel had undertaken a technical assessment exercise alongside the Lands Commission, rather than engaging in any form of unauthorised search or disturbance of the premises. EOCO urged members of the public to disregard what it described as inaccurate and misleading reports concerning the operation. The property remains subject to a freezing order arising from an ongoing investigation by EOCO, with the Office maintaining that the action was confirmed by a court last year.
The operation was intended to facilitate the Lands Commission's valuation process through the collection of the property's coordinates and physical measurements. EOCO stressed that its personnel conducted the exercise in a professional manner, without any incident. The Office reiterated that the characterisation of the operation as a ransacking was inaccurate and misleading.
Chairman Wontumi's property was seized and frozen as part of an ongoing investigation by EOCO. The Office confirmed that the action was judicially confirmed last year. The valuation exercise was a necessary step in the process, as it will enable the Lands Commission to determine the property's value.
EOCO's statement was released on Monday, November 9, 2026, in response to allegations that its personnel had ransacked Chairman Wontumi's property. The Office urged the public to disregard the reports and to rely on accurate information. The investigation by EOCO is ongoing, and the Office will provide updates as necessary.
The incident highlights the importance of accurate reporting and the need for clarity in matters of public interest. EOCO's clarification aims to dispel any misconceptions and to provide a clear understanding of the events that transpired. The Office remains committed to conducting its investigations in a professional and transparent manner.
Key points
- EOCO conducted a valuation exercise at Chairman Wontumi's Tema property, not a ransacking.
- The exercise was part of the established legal procedures following the seizure and freezing of the property.
- The property remains subject to a freezing order arising from an ongoing investigation by EOCO.
