Chairman Wontumi Granted Bail After CID Questioning Him Over Alleged Illegal Mining
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been granted bail with two sureties following his appearance at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra. The exact amount of bail has not been disclosed.
Chairman Wontumi voluntarily reported to the CID on Monday, May 26, 2025, after a dramatic failed attempt by security forces to arrest him at his residence in Kumasi on Friday, May 23, 2025. The operation, which involved a joint team of National Security operatives and police officers, caused a stir when videos circulating online showed heavily armed personnel surrounding his home. Supporters of Chairman Wontumi quickly gathered in large numbers, alleging the action was a deliberate attempt to intimidate him for political reasons.
On Monday, Wontumi arrived at the CID headquarters in Accra, accompanied by his legal team, which included former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame and former Asante-Akim North MP, Andy Appiah-Kubi.
Speaking to journalists after his interrogation, Chairman Wontumi shared that the CID questioned him about allegations of illegal mining, widely referred to as galamsey. He strongly denied any involvement in illegal activities, insisting that his mining operations are fully licensed and legal.
“I went there to show them my mining license to prove that I am not into galamsey,” Wontumi stated. “They also accused me of operating in a forest, but I refuted that claim and asked them to provide evidence.”
He confirmed that after the interrogation, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, marking a significant development in the ongoing case that has sparked widespread public interest.
Chairman Wontumi has been charged with engaging in mining without proper authorization.
While he maintains his innocence, the matter has reignited conversations about how political figures are treated by law enforcement and whether investigations are being conducted fairly and transparently.
The failed attempt to arrest him last Friday, which saw a heavy security presence at his home, has drawn criticism from his supporters, who believe the action was intended to intimidate him because of his influential position within the NPP’s stronghold in the Ashanti Region.
As the situation continues to unfold, the case has captured national attention, with many closely following how law enforcement handles the matter. The public is eager to see whether the investigation will lead to further action or if the charges against Chairman Wontumi will eventually be dropped.
Wontumi has pledged to fully cooperate with the authorities, reiterating his stance that he operates within the bounds of Ghana’s mining laws and has nothing to hide.
For now, Ghanaians await the next steps from the CID, as all eyes remain on this high-profile case in the weeks ahead.
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