Chairman Wontumi granted bail with two sureties

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He was granted bail with two sureties after appearing before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra on Monday. This follows a failed arrest attempt by a joint National Security and police team at his home on May 23. The attempt led to public outrage and protests from NPP supporters outside his residence.

After receiving bail, Chairman Wontumi confirmed he faced charges related to illegal mining, or galamsey. However, he denied any wrongdoing. “I was invited by the police and charged with being involved in galamsey,” he stated. He presented his license to prove he does not engage in illegal mining. He also refuted claims that he was working in a forest area.

Wontumi explained that he had applied for a license to operate in a forest area. However, the Forestry Commission, Lands Commission, and Minerals Commission informed him that the land was reserved for protection. “If anyone is working there now, I am not aware of it,” he added.

In addition to the galamsey allegations, Wontumi addressed claims about financial dealings with the Ghana Cocoa Board. He stated that suggestions of improperly collecting funds were “absolutely untrue.” He explained how road construction funding works: “The government doesn’t give you money upfront—you use your own money.”

He noted that engineers from the Ghana Highways Authority and COCOBOD assess roads and pay based on agreed rates. His contract specified payment within 28 days; however, it took nearly three years instead. Therefore, Wontumi argued that COCOBOD cannot claim they do not owe him money.