The Ghana Prisons Service has launched an investigation into claims that some inmates at Nsawam Prison attempted to poison convicted former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
However, the Service says Mr Wontumi did not personally report the alleged incident to prison authorities. Instead, the complaint was brought to their attention by his spokesperson.
Speaking to MyJoyOnline, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Prisons Service, CSP Abdul Latif, said the Service was investigating the allegation to establish the facts and determine whether further action was necessary.
“It’s something that the spokesperson of Wontumi drew the attention of the prison authorities to. But let me repeat that it’s not a complaint coming from Wontumi himself directly to the prison authorities,” he said.
He added that the Service had initiated investigations to establish the truth and determine what measures, if any, would be required to protect the politician.
Prisons Service questions poisoning claims
CSP Latif said incidents involving inmates allegedly attempting to poison fellow prisoners or prison officers were uncommon in Ghana, but stressed that the allegation would be taken seriously.
“Let me state on record that I can’t even remember the last time we reported such an incident of inmates trying to poison fellow inmates or even officers,” he said.
He noted that the allegation had surprised prison authorities but explained that investigations were necessary because they were dealing with the safety of people in custody.
Despite the concerns raised, CSP Latif assured the public that Mr Wontumi was safe and that his security in prison was not under threat, according to the Service’s assessment.
“But we can say that Wontumi is safe and there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to his security in the prison,” he said.
Service denies transfer of five inmates
The Prisons Service has also disputed claims by Mr Wontumi’s spokesperson that five inmates were transferred to different cells following the alleged poisoning plot.
When specifically asked about the reported transfers, CSP Latif said: “No, I cannot confirm that.”
His comments contradict the earlier account by Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, Mr Wontumi’s aide, who said five inmates had been moved after the alleged plot came to light.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged poisoning attempt remain under investigation.
Wontumi not receiving special treatment
CSP Latif also rejected claims that Mr Wontumi was receiving preferential treatment while in custody.
He said the Ghana Prisons Service operated under rules and regulations that applied equally to inmates, regardless of their status.
“I think the prisons are governed by rules and regulations, and those rules and regulations don’t segregate or discriminate between prisoner A and prisoner B,” he said.
He maintained that Mr Wontumi was subject to the same regulations as other prisoners and dismissed allegations that he was being treated differently.
CSP Latif also cited overcrowding at Nsawam Prison, explaining that the facility, originally designed to accommodate about 851 inmates, currently houses more than 3,000.
He questioned the basis of the preferential-treatment claims, suggesting that they might have been made to attract public attention.
Mr Wontumi is serving a reported 20-year prison sentence for permitting mining activities on his Samreboi mining concession without approval from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
