Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is slated to stand trial on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
The case revolves around allegations of illicit mining activities purportedly linked to Akonta Mining Limited, a company associated with him.
Chairman Wontumi’s trial follows his appearance at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra on Monday, October 6, pursuant to a directive from the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to report or face arrest.
The Attorney General had previously disclosed that charges against the NPP regional chairman had been approved.
During his visit to the CID office, Chairman Wontumi, accompanied by his counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi, went through several hours of questioning before being witnessed by a high-powered delegation. The investigation centres on alleged illegal mining operations connected to Akonta Mining, a company reportedly associated with and owned by him.
After the interrogation, Chairman Wontumi was granted bail in tune of GH¢1 million.
Speaking to the media after his engagement with the police, he commended both the Attorney General’s office and the Ghana Police Service for their professionalism.
“I want to congratulate the police system for showing professionalism. We also want to thank the Attorney General for facilitating the entire process,” he stated.
Chairman Wontumi confirmed that the charge levelled against him involves “mining without a license” and expressed confidence in the judicial process.
“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.