EOCO explains visit to Wontumi’s Tema residence, denies reports of raid

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has dismissed reports that its officers raided the Tema residence of former NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, explaining that the visit was solely to facilitate a property valuation exercise.

In a statement issued on Monday, November 9, 2026, the Office said its personnel accompanied officials of the Lands Commission to the property to obtain the necessary measurements and coordinates for a professional assessment.

EOCO disclosed that the property had been frozen by the Office, with the action receiving confirmation from a court in 2025.

It explained that the visit formed part of the procedures required to establish the property's value and was not intended to search or ransack the premises.

“As part of due process, EOCO and Lands Commission officials were at the property to pick the coordinates and measurements to enable Lands Commission to conduct a professional valuation,” the statement said.

According to the Office, the exercise lasted less than 10 minutes and was completed without any confrontation or incident.

“The activity was completed in less than 10 minutes without any incident. This is what has been characterised as ransacking of Wontumi’s house,” it added.

EOCO urged the public to disregard accounts of the operation which it described as inaccurate and misleading.

The clarification followed claims by Mr Boasiako's spokesperson, Palgrave Boakye Danquah, that 5 EOCO officers had entered the residence and searched the premises while the former regional chairman's children were present.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Monday, Mr Danquah said he received a telephone call from the family at about 3 p.m. informing him that the officers had arrived at the house.

He explained that Mr Boasiako's mother-in-law, who was at the residence with the children, initially went to the gate after learning of the officers' presence.

According to him, she granted the officers access after they requested permission to enter the property, but alleged that they subsequently moved around the premises and proceeded upstairs to where the children were.