An aide to the former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has alleged that there was an attempt to poison him in prison.
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah disclosed this on Tuesday, October 28, as Wontumi marked 100 days in custody.
According to him, Chairman Wontumi informed him about the alleged incident when he appeared in court on Tuesday, indicating that it happened a few days ago.
"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," Dr. Boakye-Danquah said.
He said he has brought the matter to the attention of the prison commander, who has assured him that investigations have commenced to establish the facts.
"He mentioned that to me today when he came to court, and I have spoken to the commander, and the commander said he has asked them to investigate the matter, so he will come back to me on that issue," he added.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah did not provide further details on how the alleged poisoning was carried out or the motive behind it. He also said no medical report has been received yet.
The allegation has not been independently verified, and prison authorities are yet to publicly comment on the matter.
He reiterated Wontumi's call for comprehensive reforms in Ghana's prison system focused on rehabilitation and inmate welfare.
Chairman Wontumi is currently serving a 20-year sentence after being convicted for allowing mining activities on his Samreboi concession without approval from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. He is seeking temporary release while he appeals his conviction and sentence.