Wontumi granted bail after CID interrogation over alleged illegal mining links

Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has been released on bail by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

The outspoken party official exited the CID headquarters earlier today in the company of his legal team, following a session of questioning related to alleged illegal mining operations.

Speaking briefly to the media, Mr. Boasiako stated that he submitted relevant documents during the interrogation which, he said, demonstrate that he has no involvement in any form of illegal mining, particularly in protected forest areas.

Chairman Wontumi was granted bail with two sureties, following his decision to voluntarily report to the police earlier in the day. His move comes after a tense incident on May 23, when National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) operatives attempted to execute a search warrant at his Kumasi residence.

That operation nearly escalated when security agents, armed with a court order, were met with resistance. The standoff drew a crowd of supporters after Wontumi raised an alarm, prompting back-and-forth negotiations between his legal team and the security officers. The standoff ended with an agreement that Wontumi would present himself to the authorities today.

The state’s interest in the case revolves around allegations that Boasiako’s company, Akonta Mining, has been engaging in illegal mining. Earlier this month, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, announced the termination of Akonta Mining’s lease—an action Wontumi is currently challenging in court.

The legal proceedings and investigations are ongoing.