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, following his appearance before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Monday.
Mr. Boasiako’s appearance was in compliance with a directive from the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, who last week cautioned that the NPP regional chairman would be arrested if he failed to report to the CID.
Speaking at President John Dramani Mahama’s engagement with civil society organisations on illegal mining last Friday, Dr. Ayine revealed that charges had already been approved against Mr. Boasiako and Akonta Mining Limited, a company reportedly linked to him.
“The charges against Wontumi and Akonta Mining have been signed. He should be here on Monday. If he doesn’t come by Monday, I will order his arrest, and his charges will be read to him,” Dr. Ayine stated.
Chairman Wontumi, who is facing charges of mining without a licence, arrived at the CID headquarters in Accra around 9:30 a.m. on Monday, accompanied by his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi. He has since been granted bail in the sum of GH¢1 million.
In a brief interaction with the media after his engagement with investigators, Mr. Boasiako commended the police and the Attorney-General’s Office for their conduct.
“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 added that he was ready to defend himself in court, stressing that the matter should be resolved through due legal 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 noted.
Meanwhile, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the CID, confirmed that investigations into Akonta Mining’s operations are ongoing. She disclosed that another individual connected to the company has been arrested.
DCOP Donkor further clarified that Mr. Boasiako had previously engaged with investigators but delayed recent appearances due to ill health, a position corroborated by his lawyer.
“The investigations are actively ongoing, and the public will be informed of the outcome,” she assured.
