After a dramatic standoff and police interrogation, the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman denies all illegal mining allegations and walks free on bail.
He denied involvement, submitting documents to prove his innocence.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi was granted bail by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service after voluntarily submitting himself for questioning.
He was accompanied by his legal team as he exited the CID headquarters. Wontumi disclosed to the media that he had submitted documentation proving he was not engaged in any illegal mining operations, nor was he conducting activities within a forest reserve.
His release came with bail conditions that included two sureties.
Wontumi’s appearance before the police follows a failed operation on May 23 by National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) operatives, who attempted to execute a court-sanctioned search at his Kumasi residence. The incident sparked a confrontation, drawing a crowd of supporters and prompting negotiations between national security officials and his legal representatives.
The state’s investigation centers around alleged illegal mining activities linked to Akonta Mining, a company associated with Wontumi.
Earlier this month, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah announced the cancellation of Akonta Mining’s lease—a decision Wontumi is contesting in court.
