Chairman Wontumi’s trial over Akonta Mining to begin Tuesday

The trial of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

This follows his appearance before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on Monday, October 6, 2025, in compliance with a directive from the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine.

Dr. Ayine had, on Friday, October 3, 2025, warned that the NPP regional chairman would be arrested if he failed to report to the CID, noting that charges against him had already been approved.

Chairman Wontumi is facing charges related to alleged illegal mining activities connected to Akonta Mining Limited, a company reportedly associated with him. He has since been granted bail in the sum of GH¢1 million.

He appeared before investigators accompanied by his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi.

Speaking to the media after the engagement, Chairman Wontumi commended both the police and the Attorney General’s Office for their professionalism.

“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 confirmed that the charge against him involves “mining without a license”, adding that the matter would be fully addressed in court.

“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 added