The Accra High Court has rescinded the bench warrant it earlier issued for the arrest of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The bench warrant was issued on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, by Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tay after the court observed that Chairman Wontumi and his legal team were absent when the case was called for case management at 9:40 a.m.
At the time, Chief State Attorney Stella Ohene Appiah and her team were present, but the accused and his lawyers failed to appear or offer any formal explanation.
The judge therefore issued a bench warrant, directing law enforcement to arrest the accused.
However, Adom News’ Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa, who was in court, reported that moments after the warrant was issued, Chairman Wontumi and his legal team arrived, prompting the judge to rescind her earlier order.
Chairman Wontumi, together with Kwame Antwi, a director of Akonta Mining Company Limited, and the company itself, is facing six charges, including assigning mineral rights without approval and facilitating unlicensed mining operations, contrary to provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995.
The case forms part of ongoing investigations into alleged illegal mining operations linked to Akonta Mining in the Samreboi area of the Western North region.
During earlier proceedings on October 7, 2025, the accused persons pleaded not guilty and were granted bail. The court had adjourned the matter to October 28 for case management and disclosure.
Following the brief confusion over his absence, Chairman Wontumi’s case is now expected to continue at the next scheduled sitting, with the bench warrant formally withdrawn.
