Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is scheduled to report again to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
He had earlier appeared at the CID headquarters in Accra on Monday, May 26, 2025, accompanied by his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame.
A statement from Superintendent Joseph Benefo Darkwah, Head of the CID Public Affairs Unit, revealed that Wontumi faces three allegations: conducting mining operations without a license, polluting water bodies, and unauthorized entry into a forest reserve.
The statement confirmed that Chairman Wontumi cooperated fully, provided his statement, and was granted bail.
He is expected to report back to the CID at 3:00 p.m. on May 27 as the investigation continues. Authorities assured the public that updates on the case will be shared in due course.
Following his interrogation, Chairman Wontumi denied any involvement in illegal mining (galamsey), asserting that he had presented his valid mining license to the authorities as proof of lawful operations.
He said, “I was summoned and accused of being involved in galamsey, but I showed them my license to prove I am not involved in illegal mining. They also alleged I worked in a forest reserve, which I denied. If they have evidence, they should present it.”
Wontumi added that although he had applied for a license to mine in a forested area, the Forestry Commission, Lands Commission, and Minerals Commission informed him that the land was protected, and he is unaware of anyone currently mining there.
