NPP's Ashanti Regional Chairman Wontumi Granted GH¢1 Million Bail in Illegal Mining Probe

Chairman Wontumi Faces Illegal Mining Charges

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the influential Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, was granted bail of GH¢1 million with two sureties on Monday, October 6, 2025. This development occurred after his appearance before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service in Accra, where he was questioned regarding alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.

His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed that Mr. Boasiako has been officially charged with 'mining without a license' and other related offenses. Reports indicate that the charges also include allegations of polluting water bodies and unlawfully entering a forest reserve. Mr. Boasiako has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that his company operates legally and not within protected forest areas.

Investigation into Akonta Mining Limited

The ongoing investigation primarily focuses on Akonta Mining Limited, a company reportedly linked to Chairman Wontumi. The company has faced accusations of operating illegally in forest reserves and conducting mining activities without the requisite licenses. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, had previously issued a directive for Mr. Boasiako to report to the CID, warning of an arrest if he failed to comply. Dr. Ayine also noted that progress on the investigation had been hampered by the alleged concealment of key case documents under the previous administration.

Next Steps and Broader Context of 'Galamsey'

Chairman Wontumi is scheduled to appear before the High Court in Accra on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, where three mining-related charges are expected to be formally presented. The bail conditions, set at GH¢1 million with two sureties, have been successfully met, leading to his release.

This case underscores Ghana's persistent struggle against illegal mining, locally known as 'galamsey'. This illicit practice has caused extensive environmental damage across the country, including:

• Widespread pollution of vital water bodies.
• Significant deforestation and degradation of land.
• Threats to agricultural lands, including cocoa farms.

The Ghanaian judiciary has established specialized courts to handle mining-related offenses, reflecting the government's commitment to addressing this national crisis. Chairman Wontumi, a prominent political figure and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP since 2014, has been a central figure in past controversies surrounding mining activities in the region.