An aide to Chairman Wontumi, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has alleged that prison inmates attempted to poison Wontumi just days before his recent court appearance. According to Dr. Boakye-Danquah, Wontumi informed him of the incident, prompting him to contact the prison commander. The alleged incident occurred at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, where Wontumi is serving a 20-year sentence for his involvement in illegal mining activities.
Chairman Wontumi was sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Accra High Court on July 20, 2026, after being convicted on six charges linked to illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. The charges included assigning mineral rights without the required ministerial approval and intentionally facilitating an unlicensed mining operation, contrary to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended. Wontumi is currently appealing his conviction and sentence at the Court of Appeal.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah revealed that Wontumi raised the matter during their meeting at court, after which he contacted the prison commander. The prison commander has initiated investigations into the alleged incident. According to Dr. Boakye-Danquah, Wontumi is okay, and no medical reports have been received from the doctors. However, the alleged attempt on Wontumi's life has raised concerns about his safety and well-being while in prison.
The alleged poisoning attempt occurred just days before Wontumi's court appearance on October 27, 2026, when he marked 100 days in prison. Wontumi is seeking temporary release while appealing his conviction and sentence. His aide has assured that Wontumi is safe, but the incident has sparked an investigation into the prison's security measures.
The Nsawam Medium Security Prison, where Wontumi is being held, has been the subject of scrutiny following the alleged incident. The prison authorities have launched an investigation into the claim, but no further details have been provided about the alleged attempt, and the outcome of the reported investigation remains unclear.
Chairman Wontumi's conviction and sentence have been widely reported, with many Ghanaians following his appeal process. The alleged attempt on his life has raised concerns about the safety of prisoners and the need for improved security measures in Ghana's prisons. The incident has also sparked debate about the treatment of high-profile prisoners and the need for accountability within the prison system.
The investigation into the alleged poisoning attempt is ongoing, and the prison authorities are yet to provide an update on the outcome. Chairman Wontumi's case continues to attract attention, with many awaiting the outcome of his appeal and the investigation into the alleged incident.
Key points
- Chairman Wontumi's aide alleges that prison inmates attempted to poison him days before his court appearance.
- The alleged incident has sparked an investigation into the prison's security measures.
- Chairman Wontumi is serving a 20-year sentence for his involvement in illegal mining activities.
