During a court appearance on Tuesday, 27 October, Dr Palgrave Boakye‑Danquah, a senior aide to former Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako—known as Chairman Wontumi—claimed that inmates in the prison where Wontumi is serving a 20‑year sentence allegedly tried to poison the politician.
Boakye‑Danquah disclosed the allegation on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News while Wontumi celebrated 100 days in custody. He said the chairman had informed him of the incident when he appeared in court and that prison authorities had begun investigations.
"Chairman is okay. We haven’t received any medical reports from the doctors. But I have received indications that over the past week, some prison inmates attempted to poison him," the aide told the radio host. He added that investigations were ongoing to verify the truth of the claim.
Boakye‑Danquah also spoke with the prison commander, who assured him that the matter was being looked into and that he would report back. The commander said the commander had asked the staff to investigate the alleged poisoning, which reportedly occurred a few days ago.
He did not provide further details about the incident or any possible motive, and the allegation has not been independently verified. The aide reiterated Wontumi’s call for comprehensive reforms to Ghana’s prison system, stressing rehabilitation, inmate welfare and reintegration of prisoners into society.
Wontumi is serving his sentence after being convicted of permitting mining activities on his Samreboi concession without approval from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. He is seeking temporary release while he challenges his conviction and sentence at the Court of Appeal.
Police and prison officials continue to investigate the alleged poisoning attempt. The outcome of the inquiry will determine whether further action is taken against those involved and whether any changes will be made to the prison’s security protocols.
