Chairman Wontumi granted bail after CID interrogation

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been granted bail by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service after turning himself in for questioning over alleged illegal mining activities.

Chairman Wontumi left the CID headquarters on Monday, May 27, in the company of his lawyers, after hours of interrogation. According to him, he submitted all necessary documents to prove that neither he nor his company, Akonta Mining, is engaged in illegal mining or operating in any forest reserve.

Wontumi Speaks After Release

Speaking briefly to the media after his release, Chairman Wontumi said:

“I cooperated fully with the police. I brought all the documents to show that I have not done anything wrong. My company is not mining in any forest. I believe in the law, and I will defend myself in court if I have to.”

He was granted bail with two sureties, meaning two individuals have to guarantee that he will cooperate with investigations and return when needed by the police.

Background: Standoff at Kumasi Residence

The case gained public attention following a dramatic event on May 23, 2025, when operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) attempted to execute a search warrant at Chairman Wontumi’s residence in Kumasi.

That day, heavily armed security personnel from Accra arrived to search his house as part of ongoing investigations into alleged illegal mining operations. However, things didn’t go smoothly.

Eyewitnesses say that as soon as Chairman Wontumi realised what was happening, he raised an alarm, which quickly attracted a large crowd of party supporters and residents. Tension quickly built up, with some of his supporters clashing verbally with the security men.

The scene was tense, and the situation could have escalated if not for the intervention of Wontumi’s legal team, who began negotiations with the security officers.

Eventually, the NIB team withdrew from the scene after Chairman Wontumi’s lawyers promised to present him voluntarily to the police for questioning on Monday—a promise they fulfilled.

The Allegations: Akonta Mining Under Scrutiny

The state’s interest in Bernard Antwi Boasiako centres around his private mining company, Akonta Mining, which has been accused of engaging in illegal mining activities, also known as galamsey.

According to JoyNews and other media reports, Akonta Mining was allegedly operating in areas it was not legally permitted to mine, including parts of a forest reserve.

Earlier this month, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, the new Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, announced that the mining lease granted to Akonta Mining had been terminated by the government.

He said the decision followed findings by the Minerals Commission and other regulatory bodies that Akonta Mining violated the terms of its lease.

“The company does not have a valid mining lease in the area in question. As such, the lease has been terminated,” the minister said.

Wontumi Fights Back in Court

But Wontumi has not taken the government’s decision lightly.

According to people familiar with the case, the chairman is confident that the court will rule in his favour, as he believes Akonta Mining followed the right procedures to obtain its license.

Political Reactions and Public Debate

The development has triggered a heated public debate and political reactions across the country.

Critics of the government, especially from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), have accused the authorities of being selective in the fight against illegal mining, saying that powerful figures like Chairman Wontumi are only being pursued because of public pressure.

Others, including some civil society groups, have praised the police and the Lands Ministry for taking a bold stand against illegal mining, even when powerful politicians are involved.

The OccupyGhana pressure group has called for fair and transparent investigations, urging the police to avoid political bias and let the facts guide the process.

Security Implications of the May 23 Standoff

Security analysts are also raising concerns over the May 23 standoff in Kumasi. They say the incident, where a political figure could summon a crowd to challenge law enforcement, raises questions about state authority and public trust in the legal system.

“We must not create the impression that some individuals are above the law,” said security expert Dr. Kwesi Aning. “The rule of law must be upheld, regardless of political affiliations.”

NPP Leadership Keeps Silent (For Now)

So far, the national leadership of the NPP has not released an official statement on the matter. Insiders say the party is closely monitoring the situation before making any public pronouncements.

Some regional executives have, however, defended Chairman Wontumi, describing him as a loyal servant of the party and a successful businessman who has always complied with the law.

What Happens Next?

The CID will continue its probe into whether or not Akonta Mining operated illegally and whether Chairman Wontumi personally had any hand in breaching Ghana’s mining laws.

Conclusion: The Bigger Picture

Now, with Chairman Wontumi—one of the most powerful figures in the ruling party—under investigation, many are watching to see whether the law will truly work for all, regardless of status.

As the investigations continue, Ghanaians are hoping for truth, fairness, and justice, not just for Chairman Wontumi, but for the environment and future generations.