Ghana Prisons Service Probes Wontumi’s Alleged Poisoning Threat, Denies Inmate Transfers
The Ghana Prisons Service has launched an investigation into an alleged plot to poison convicted politician Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, at Nsawam Prison. While assuring Wontumi's safety and denying claims of special treatment or inmate relocation, the Service confirmed the allegations were brought by his spokesperson, not directly by Wontumi himself.
The Ghana Prisons Service has launched an investigation into an alleged plot to poison Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, while he is serving a prison sentence at Nsawam Prison.
However, the Service has disputed claims that five inmates were transferred to different cells after the alleged threat, saying it could not confirm any such relocation. Chief Public Relations Officer CSP Abdul Latif told Myjoyonline that Wontumi’s spokesperson, Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, brought the allegation to the authorities' attention, not the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman directly.
Latif said the investigation would establish the facts and determine what action, if necessary, should follow. The Service is treating the allegation seriously despite describing such incidents as uncommon.
Dr Boakye-Danquah had told Adom FM that five inmates were moved after someone allegedly overheard them discussing a plan to poison Wontumi. According to the spokesperson, Wontumi informed him of the alleged threat after a court appearance on Tuesday, October 27, prompting him to contact prison officials.
He claimed that an officer confirmed an investigation was underway and that a committee had been established to examine the matter, but the Prisons Service has not corroborated the reported transfers. Latif assured the public that Wontumi was safe in custody, while the Service has pledged to establish the truth and determine whether anyone was involved.
The Prisons Service also rejected allegations that Wontumi was receiving preferential treatment, insisting that prison rules apply equally to all inmates. Latif cited overcrowding at Nsawam Prison, which he said was designed to accommodate approximately 851 inmates but currently houses more than 3,000.
Wontumi is serving a 20-year prison sentence following his conviction for permitting mining activities on his Samreboi concession without approval from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. The poisoning allegation remains under investigation, and the reported relocation of the five inmates has not been confirmed by prison authorities.