The Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service has granted bail to Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, following his appearance at CID headquarters on Monday, October 6, 2025.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party was released on bail set at GH₵1 million with two sureties, conditions which he has reportedly fulfilled.
The NPP regional chairman is expected to face three mining-related charges when he appears before the High Court in Accra on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
This development marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings surrounding allegations of illegal mining activities linked to Akonta Mining Limited, a company associated with the prominent politician.
Chairman Wontumi’s appearance at CID headquarters came after the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, issued a stern warning that the politician would face arrest if he failed to report on the scheduled date.
The Attorney General had earlier disclosed during an engagement with civil society organizations that charges against Chairman Wontumi and five others had already been signed, signaling the government’s determination to prosecute the case.
The investigation centers on the operations of Akonta Mining Limited in Ghana’s forest reserves.
The case has drawn significant public attention as the government intensifies its fight against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, which has devastated water bodies and forest reserves across the country.
Previous reports have indicated that Akonta Mining was operating in protected forest areas, raising concerns about environmental damage and regulatory compliance.
This is not Chairman Wontumi’s first encounter with law enforcement over mining-related matters.
He was first invited by the CID on May 26, 2025, appearing with his legal counsel, former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, and former Asante-Akim North MP Andy Appiah-Kubi.
Throughout the investigation, he has consistently maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in illegal mining activities.
Speaking to journalists after Monday’s interrogation, Chairman Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed that his client had been granted proper police enquiry bail and emphasized their commitment to cooperating with authorities.
The legal team has rejected suggestions that they have been unresponsive to police invitations, insisting they have demonstrated presence and cooperation at every stage of the investigation.
The timing of this prosecution is politically sensitive, coming as Ghana continues grappling with the devastating effects of illegal mining on its environment and natural resources.
The government has made the fight against galamsey a priority, promising no sacred cows in prosecuting offenders regardless of their political affiliations or social standing.
As Chairman Wontumi prepares for his High Court appearance on Tuesday, all eyes will be on how the judiciary handles this high-profile case.
The outcome could set important precedents for how Ghana addresses illegal mining by influential individuals and corporations.
The three charges expected to be filed will provide clearer details about the specific allegations the politician must answer, potentially including unauthorized mining in forest reserves and environmental violations.
The case represents a critical test of Ghana’s commitment to environmental protection and equal application of the law in the ongoing battle against illegal mining.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
