The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been granted bail in
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢1 million pending the commencement of his trial today.
He faces charges related to alleged illegal mining activities, specifically for engaging in mining operations without a licence.
Bail and Appearance Before CID
The bail followed his appearance before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service in Accra on Monday, October 6, in compliance with a directive issued by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine.
Dr. Ayine had earlier cautioned that Chairman Wontumi would be arrested if he failed to honor the directive to report to the CID.
Last Friday, during President John Dramani Mahama’s engagement with civil society organizations on illegal mining in Accra, the Attorney-General revealed that charges against Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining Limited, had been finalized and duly signed.
“The charges against Wontumi and Akonta Mining have been signed. He should report by Monday. If he fails to do so, I will order his arrest, and the charges will be read to him,” Dr. Ayine cautioned.
Background to the Case
Investigations into the operations of Akonta Mining Limited have been ongoing for several months, following allegations that the company engaged in illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western Region.
On Monday, Chairman Wontumi, accompanied by his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, appeared before investigators at the CID Headquarters to assist with the ongoing inquiry.
Commendation and Response
Speaking to journalists after the engagement, Chairman Wontumi praised both the Ghana Police Service and the Office of the Attorney-General for their professionalism throughout the process.
“I want to commend the police for demonstrating professionalism, and also thank the Attorney-General for facilitating the entire process,” he said.
Regarding the charges, Mr. Antwi-Boasiako confirmed that he had been charged with mining without a license, adding that the matter would be fully addressed in court.
“As you can see, the matter will now proceed to court, where the appropriate decision will be made,” he stated.
He added, “We are not here to claim innocence; rather, we will follow due process and present our defense before the court.”
Next Steps
The case, which has drawn significant national attention, will be heard at the Tarkwa Circuit Court today, Tuesday, October 7, where proceedings are expected to formally begin.