Chief Public Relations Officer for the Ghana Prisons Service, CPS Abdul Latif, has disclosed that they have launched investigations into the claim by convicted Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
According to CPS Abdul Latif, Wontumi did not report the supposed incident to the prison authorities, but his spokesperson who later informed them.
Speaking to Myjoyonline, the Chief Public Relations Officer for the Ghana Prisons Service stated, “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.”
“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.”
“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, 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.
“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 in
prison 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”, he stated.
His comment follows Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a senior aide to former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, who has disclosed that five inmates at Nsawam Prison have been transferred following an alleged plot to poison the politician.
Speaking on Adom FM Dwaso Nsem, Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah revealed that the plot was exposed when the inmates’ conversation discussing plans to poison Wontumi was overheard.
He disclosed that Wontumi told him about the incident following a court appearance on Tuesday, October 27.
Dr Boakye-Danquah revealed that the person who overheard the conversation alerted Mr Wontumi, prompting concerns about his safety.
He stated, “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”.
According to Dr Boakye-Danquah, five inmates had since been moved to a different cell, while investigations into the alleged plot continued.
“Chairman Wontumi is not frightened,” he said.
Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah further stated, “But we know the good God we serve will not let the plan of the evil one prevail.”
@ghnow_ The DVLA has explained the process of changing car ownership under the new licence plate system. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ NDC Youth Organizer Aspirant Steven Nhyira Odarteifio Donates Organic Fertilizers to Support Farmers #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Channel One TV
