The National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party in the Ashanti Region, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known popularly as Chairman Wontumi, is walking a tightrope with Ghana's legal authorities. He has until Monday, October 6, 2025, to report to the Attorney General’s (AG) office in Accra or face arrest over his alleged role in illegal mining, or galamsey.
This stern ultimatum is the latest twist in a probe that has been swirling around the powerful political figure for months. The investigation is not just about environmental damage; it has expanded into serious economic crimes. Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Simsag confirmed back in May 2025 that Wontumi is under investigation for fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering (TV3 News, 2025).
Wontumi was already detained and granted bail earlier this year by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over the initial illegal mining claims, but he has been struggling with the reporting conditions. The first arrest was dramatic, with a heavy security presence and political supporters demanding his immediate release outside the EOCO headquarters in Accra (TV3 News, 2025).
But you see, the gravity of the situation has gone up a notch now. The probe includes an effort for asset recovery to seize any suspected criminal proceeds, turning the fight against galamsey into a major organized crime issue. And there is even a separate investigation linking Wontumi to international organized crime involving global law enforcement, led by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) (TV3 News, 2025).
The clock is ticking on Monday morning; the air in the AG’s office will smell like a fresh charge sheet. If the NPP chairman fails to appear, the authorities will move in to secure his attendance. This development is putting President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to accountable governance to an early and significant test.
Will Wontumi defy the order, or will he walk into the capital to face the music?
The provided video snippet gives more context on the allegations and conditions surrounding Chairman Wontumi's earlier detention and bail. Chairman Wontumi’s Arrest, Detention, and Bail Conditions
Source: https://citinewsroom.com/2025/10/galamsey-fight-wontumi-faces-arrest-if-he-fails-to-report-to-accra-october-6-ag/
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdm65AOpbbg