The trial of the 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, 2025, after he honoured an invitation related to an ongoing probe into alleged illegal mining operations.

Chairman Wontumi’s appearance comes after Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, issued a directive warning that an arrest warrant would be activated if he failed to report. The Attorney General also confirmed that formal charges had already been filed.

Mr. Boasiako is facing charges connected to Akonta Mining Limited, a company allegedly linked to him, which is accused of engaging in mining activities in restricted forest areas without the necessary authorization.

After his meeting with investigators, Chairman Wontumi was granted bail to the tune of GH¢1 million.

Accompanied by his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, he later addressed the media, expressing appreciation to the Police Service and the Attorney General’s Office for their professionalism throughout the process.

“I want to commend the police system for showing professionalism, and also thank the Attorney General for ensuring transparency in handling this matter,” he stated.

He confirmed that the charge brought against him relates to “mining without a license” and indicated his readiness to defend himself in court.

“As you have seen, we will go to court, and that is where the decision will be made. We respect the law and are ready to present our defence,” Chairman Wontumi said.

The upcoming trial is expected to attract significant public and political attention, given the prominence of the NPP regional chairman and the ongoing national debate on illegal mining and its environmental impact.