Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, is mounting a strong defense against accusations of illegal mining as he prepares for a second appearance before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Tuesday, May 27.
The high-profile political figure was questioned on Monday, May 26, over three serious environmental and regulatory violations: operating a mine without a valid license, polluting water bodies, and unauthorized entry into a forest reserve.
According to a CID statement signed by Superintendent Joseph Benefo Darkwah, Wontumi cooperated with investigators, gave his official statement, and was released on bail. His next appearance is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
Emerging from the CID Headquarters flanked by his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame, Wontumi vehemently denied any involvement in illegal mining—commonly known in Ghana as galamsey.
“I was charged with being involved in galamsey, but I showed them my legal documents. I have a valid mining license. As for claims that I’m working in a forest reserve, that’s not me. Let them show evidence,” he told reporters.
He clarified that while he had previously applied for a permit to mine in a forest area, regulatory bodies had ruled the land off-limits. “The Forestry Commission, Lands Commission, and Minerals Commission said the land was protected, so I stepped back. If someone is operating there now, I don’t know who it is,” he explained.
The case has sparked public interest due to Wontumi’s political prominence and ongoing national efforts to combat environmental degradation from illegal mining. The Ghana Police Service has pledged to keep the public informed as investigations progress.
