Chairman Wontumi’s illegal mining trial begins Tuesday
The trial of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is set to begin on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
This follows his appearance before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on Monday, October 6, in response to a directive issued by Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine.
Dr. Ayine had warned on Friday, October 3, that Chairman Wontumi would be arrested if he failed to comply with the summons, noting that formal charges had already been filed.
Chairman Wontumi faces charges related to illegal mining activities linked to Akonta Mining Limited, a company reportedly associated with him. He has since been granted bail to the tune of GH¢1 million after reporting to the CID in the company of his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi.
Speaking to the media after the engagement, Chairman Wontumi praised the professionalism of the law enforcement agencies involved.
“I want to congratulate the police system for showing professionalism. We also want to thank the Attorney General for facilitating the entire process,” he said.
He confirmed that the main charge against him is “mining without a licence”, and expressed readiness to face the court 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.
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