The trial of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, officially begins today, Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
This development follows his appearance before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on Monday, October 6, 2025, after he complied with a directive issued by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine.
Chairman Wontumi is being prosecuted over allegations of illegal mining and mining without a valid license, activities reportedly connected to Akonta Mining Limited, a company said to be under his ownership.
Ahead of the proceedings, he was granted bail amounting to GH¢1 million.
His legal counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed that the specific charge pertains to mining without a license, assuring that the issue will be fully deliberated in court.
He further emphasized his client’s innocence, stating, “We are prepared to go before the court where the matter will be decided. Our role is to proceed with the legal process and present our defence accordingly.”