I engage in responsible mining, not galamsey – Wontumi

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He has denied allegations linking him to illegal mining activities, or galamsey.

After being questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), he spoke to reporters. He stated that he showed his mining license to prove he operates legally. "I was invited by the police and charged with being involved in galamsey," he said.

He added that authorities claimed he was working in a forest area. Wontumi insisted it wasn't him and challenged them to provide evidence.

He explained that he had applied for a license for a forest area. However, the Forestry Commission, Lands Commission, and Minerals Commission told him the land was protected. "If anyone is working there now, I am not aware of it," he said.

Chairman Wontumi also denied reports about receiving GHS50 million from COCOBOD. This claim arose during the final days of the Akufo-Addo administration. Allegations suggested his company, Hallmark Engineering, received this payment despite a halt on contract payments.

Wontumi firmly rejected these claims regarding COCOBOD payments.