We’re investigating Wontumi’s claim of an attempt to poison him – Prisons Service

The Ghana Prisons Service says it has launched investigations into the claim by convicted Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, that there has been an attempt by some prison inmates to poison him.

According to the prison authorities, Wontumi did not report the supposed incident to the prison authorities, but notified his spokesperson, who in turn informed them.

Speaking to Myjoyonline, Chief Public Relations Officer for the Ghana Prisons Service, CPS Abdul Latif, said the Service is investigating the matter.

"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. It's something that the PRO has said. So, by that, we have also set up investigations to launch investigations into the matter, to find out first and foremost the truth in that matter. And if it has any truth, then we will know the steps to take to avoid that."

He also explained that incidents of attempted poisoning of prisoners aren't common in Ghana, although they will still investigate the claim.

"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. So, I can tell you that when this issue came up, we were a bit surprised. But because we are dealing with human beings, we took it and we are investigating it to find out the truth in it."

The Chief Public Relations Officer, however, noted that the former Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, who is serving a 20-year jail term for permitting mining activities on his Samreboi mining concession without approval from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, is safe.

"But we can say that Wontumi is safe and there's nothing to worry about when it comes to his security in the prison."

The prison official, however, denied claims by Wontumi's spokesperson that some five prison inmates have been relocated from their cells following the alleged attempted poisoning incident.

"No, I cannot confirm that", CSP Latif said when Myjoyonline specifically asked him about that claim.

CSP Latif also disputed claims that Wontumi was receiving special treatment in prison.

"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. You understand? So, I can tell you that Wontumi is being subjected to the same rules and regulations that other prisoners are being subjected to. So, the claim that Wontumi is being given preferential treatment inprison is not true and cannot be true. Also, the prison is already overcrowded. We all know the situation in Nsawam."

A facility that's supposed to hold about 851 inmates is now holding 3,000-plus inmates. So, I can tell you there's no truth in that claim, and it's something that perhaps is being put out there for attention.