Five inmates at Nsawam Prison have reportedly been transferred to another cell following an alleged plot to poison former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The development was disclosed by Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a senior aide to the incarcerated politician, during an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem.
According to Dr Boakye-Danquah, the alleged plot came to light after an individual reportedly overheard the inmates discussing plans to poison Mr Wontumi and alerted him to the threat.
He said Mr Wontumi informed him about the incident during a conversation about his health following a court appearance on Tuesday, October 27.
Dr Boakye-Danquah also disclosed that he had visited the prison over the weekend on an errand for Mr Wontumi’s lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea.
Prison authorities investigating alleged plot
The aide said he contacted the officer in charge of the prison, who reportedly confirmed the incident and assured him that investigations were underway.
“I contacted the officer in charge, and he confirmed it and assured me that investigations were ongoing. The officer said a committee has been set up to probe the incident,” Dr Boakye-Danquah said.
He added that the five inmates had since been moved to a different cell while investigations continued.
Dr Boakye-Danquah did not disclose the identities of the inmates, explaining that their names had not been made available to him.
The alleged poisoning plot has raised concerns about the safety of the former NPP regional chairman while in custody. However, the allegations have not been independently established.
Wontumi remains calm, aide says
Despite the reported threat, Dr Boakye-Danquah said Mr Wontumi remained calm and was not frightened by the alleged plot.
“Chairman Wontumi is not frightened,” he said, recounting the politician’s response during their conversation.
The aide expressed confidence that the alleged plan would not succeed, adding: “But we know the good God we serve will not let the plan of the evil one prevail.”
Dr Boakye-Danquah further disclosed that he planned to visit Nsawam Prison on Wednesday morning to see Mr Wontumi and check on his welfare.
The disclosure comes as Mr Wontumi marks 100 days in prison.
