Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has strongly denied any involvement in the recent spate of market fires across Ghana.
His statement follows the arrest of an individual allegedly connected to him, who is accused of being involved in the arson of key markets across the country.
The suspect, reportedly hired to carry out these attacks, was arrested amid growing suspicions that the fires were part of a coordinated effort to destabilize economic activities at the start of the New Year.
Several major markets, including the Continental Market in Kantamanto, Accra, and others in Kumasi and Takoradi, have been affected by fires that have destroyed goods worth millions of cedis.
The string of incidents has raised alarms about the safety of public spaces and the security of local businesses.
While initial police investigations have linked the suspect to Chairman Wontumi, there is no direct evidence connecting the NPP leader to the fires. Investigators have revealed that the suspect allegedly provided critical information suggesting that the arson attacks were part of a larger conspiracy, though political motivations have yet to be confirmed.
Chairman Wontumi, however, has vehemently denied any involvement in the acts of arson. He has threatened legal action against anyone attempting to link him to the crimes. In a statement, he emphasized that he had no knowledge of the activities of the individual arrested and condemned the fires as criminal acts that should not be politicized.
The arrest has ignited a broader debate over the role of political figures in incidents of public unrest, with some questioning whether the arson attacks could have been politically motivated. As investigations continue, the Ghana Police Service has reassured the public that they are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
Meanwhile the police has begun investigating into the cause of fire at Techiman market in Bono East region.
Chairman Wontumi denies involvement in market burning incident, threatens legal action against anyone seeking to link him to such allegations… #GHOneNews #EIBNetwork #GHOneTV #NewsAlert pic.twitter.com/Ms33aF2MEN
— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) January 12, 2025
