Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has secured bail after appearing before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra, marking a significant step in the legal proceedings surrounding his alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.
Wontumi was granted bail set at GH¢1 million with two sureties, which he has successfully met. He is expected to face three mining-related charges at the High Court in Accra on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
His appearance followed a firm ultimatum from Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine, who had cautioned last Friday that the NPP regional chairman would be arrested if he failed to present himself to the police.
MyNewsgh earlier reported that Wontumi arrived at the CID Headquarters today accompanied by his lawyers, former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame and Andy Appiah-Kubi, for his charges to be formally read.
Dr. Ayine had earlier announced during President Mahama’s engagement with civil society organisations that charges had been prepared against Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited, the company linked to him.
“The charges against Wontumi and Akonta Mining have been signed. He should be here on Monday. If he doesn’t come by Monday, I will order his arrest,” Dr. Ayine declared.
CID officials, led by DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, confirmed that investigations into Akonta Mining’s operations remain ongoing, noting that another suspect has already been arrested in connection with the case. She further disclosed that Wontumi had earlier visited the CID but delayed his follow-up visit due to health reasons.
Ahead of the appearance, Wontumi’s lead counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, assured journalists that his client was ready to cooperate fully with investigators but warned against any attempt to revoke his earlier police enquiry bail, stressing that such a move would be “vigorously resisted.”
