Chairman Wontumi to report to CID on Tuesday

The Ghana Police Service has asked Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, to report again. He must go to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

A press release from May 26, 2025, was signed by Superintendent Joseph Benefo Darkwah. He is the Head of the Public Affairs Unit at the CID. The police noted that Wontumi had visited CID Headquarters earlier that day after an official invitation.

Wontumi faces three main allegations. These are mining without a license, polluting water bodies, and entering a forest reserve without permission.

He arrived with a team of lawyers led by former Attorney General Godfred Dame. The police stated he cooperated fully and provided a formal statement.

Wontumi was granted bail and will continue to assist with the investigation. The CID will update the public on any further developments.

Earlier today, Wontumi turned himself in to the police. This followed a failed attempt by National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) operatives to search his Kumasi home on May 23.

On that day, armed national security operatives tried to enter his residence with a court-approved warrant. A tense standoff occurred when Wontumi raised an alarm, attracting supporters.

Negotiations took place between operatives and Wontumi’s legal team. Eventually, the operatives withdrew after agreeing that Wontumi would present himself to the police on Monday.

The state is investigating Bernard Antwi Boasiako for alleged illegal mining activities through his company Akonta Mining. Earlier this month, Land and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah announced Akonta Mining's lease termination. However, Wontumi is challenging this cancellation in court.