The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has expressed full confidence in Ghana’s judicial system as he prepares to stand trial over alleged illegal mining activities.
The case, which involves Akonta Mining Limited, a company reportedly linked to him, is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
Chairman Wontumi appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra on Monday, October 6, following a directive from the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, who had earlier confirmed that charges against the NPP regional chairman had been approved.
Arriving at the CID Headquarters around 9:30 a.m. in the company of his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, Chairman Wontumi was interrogated for several hours before being granted bail to the tune of GH¢1 million.
Speaking to journalists after his interaction with the police, he commended the Attorney General’s office and the Ghana Police Service for what he described as a display of professionalism and respect for due process.
“I want to congratulate the police system for showing professionalism. We also want to thank the Attorney General for facilitating the entire process,” he said.
Chairman Wontumi confirmed that the charge against him is “mining without a license”, but maintained that he remains calm and ready to clear his name in court.
“As you have seen, we will go to court, and that is where the decision will be taken. We are not to maintain innocence, but we are allowed to proceed and then present our defence,” he added.
His remarks reflected a tone of compliance and confidence in the country’s justice delivery system, even as public interest heightens around the case.
The Attorney General’s directive and subsequent investigation form part of the government’s intensified efforts to curb illegal mining (galamsey) and ensure environmental accountability, regardless of political or social status.
Chairman Wontumi’s case is among a series of high-profile legal actions aimed at reinforcing the rule of law in the mining sector.
