The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been granted GH¢1 million bail with two sureties by the Ghana Police Service.

The bail was granted following his appearance before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in connection with ongoing investigations into his alleged involvement in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) through his company, Akonta Mining Limited.

Attorney-General Issued Warning Prior to CID Appearance

Before his appearance, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, had warned that Chairman Wontumi must report to the CID by Monday, October 6, 2025, or face arrest.

Speaking during a Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) engagement on galamsey with President John Dramani Mahama in Accra on Friday, October 3, Dr. Ayine stated:

“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.”

This directive followed mounting public pressure on government authorities to act against individuals and companies implicated in illegal mining activities that continue to devastate Ghana’s environment and water bodies.

CID Confirms Active Investigation into Akonta Mining

Earlier, the Director-General of the CID, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, confirmed that investigations into the operations of Akonta Mining were actively ongoing.

During a press briefing in Accra on June 30, 2025, DCOP Donkor revealed that Wontumi had appeared before investigators “a couple of times” but had delayed his most recent visit due to illness.

“He was supposed to be coming back to us sometime this week. Unfortunately, he was ill, and his lawyer submitted a letter to us explaining that he was unwell. I believe he is now okay, and we have communicated to them that he should report this week,” she stated.

She further disclosed that several other persons of interest, including one Akuoko, believed to be a partner of Wontumi, had also been arrested and interrogated in connection with the case.

“We have taken statements from him, and investigations are ongoing. Once we are done, the public will be informed of the final outcome,” DCOP Donkor added.

Background: Chairman Wontumi’s Denial of Galamsey Allegations

Chairman Wontumi first appeared before the CID on May 26, 2025, alongside his legal counsel, former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, and former MP for Asante-Akim North, Andy Appiah-Kubi.

He has consistently denied any involvement in illegal mining, insisting that Akonta Mining operates as a licensed large-scale mining company.

“I want to tell the public that I am not into galamsey. Akonta Mining operates under all the required licenses. I have all the necessary documents and will make them available to the authorities,” he said in an interview on Wontumi TV.

Following directives from the Forestry Commission to suspend Akonta Mining’s operations, Wontumi emphasized his willingness to cooperate with law enforcement agencies:

“I am appealing to them to use the law. They should do their investigations, and we should let the law work.”

Next Steps

The CID has indicated that investigations are far from over and that additional suspects linked to Akonta Mining could be questioned.

The case has drawn national attention, reigniting debates over the fight against illegal mining and the accountability of politically exposed persons accused of environmental crimes.

Observers are keenly awaiting the Attorney-General’s next move, as the government faces pressure to demonstrate commitment to its anti-galamsey campaign.