Wontumi maintains not guilty plea in galamsey charges – Lawyer

Legal counsel for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has reiterated that the embattled Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) steadfastly denies all charges against him in the ongoing illegal mining case.

Enoch Afoakwa, Wontumi’s lawyer, confirmed that his client pleaded not guilty to all charges after his release from police custody, underscoring that Wontumi continues to enjoy the full protection of the law, including the presumption of innocence guaranteed under Ghana’s Constitution.

Speaking to Channel One Newsroom on Friday, October 10, Afoakwa emphasized, “When he was arraigned, he pleaded not guilty to all the several counts of allegations against him.”

“So certainly his position has not changed. He still maintains his innocence. Once he has pleaded not guilty to the various counts that he has been charged with, his presumption of innocence under Article 19(2c) triggers — and that means he is presumed innocent until proven,” he said.

Chairman Wontumi was released from custody after meeting the bail conditions set by two separate High Courts in Accra regarding charges tied to Akonta Mining Company Limited. He faces accusations of aiding illegal mining operations and unlawfully granting mineral rights without official approval.

In the first case, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay granted Wontumi bail set at GHS15 million with three sureties, two of whom were required to provide landed property as collateral. In a second ruling, Justice Ruby Aryeetey also granted Wontumi and his co-accused, Edward Akuoko, bail at GHS10 million each, with similar surety conditions.

Though Wontumi was granted bail on Tuesday, October 7, he remained in custody due to administrative delays, such as the verification of property documents through the Lands Commission.

Afoakwa stated that his client is now free and spending time with his family while preparing for the next phase of the legal proceedings. Wontumi is expected to return to court later this month as the trial continues.