Kumasi ‘Prime Minister’ Granted Bail

Chairman Wontumi's Legal Troubles

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He once claimed that President John Mahama would need to negotiate with him before visiting Kumasi.

On May 26, 2025, he quietly reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra. This followed a failed arrest attempt by security forces in Kumasi on May 23. Wontumi was accompanied by his lawyer and party allies.

Details of his interrogation are not public. However, sources say he was questioned about Akonta Mining's operations and whether he authorized mining in restricted areas. His legal team included former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame and ex-MP Andy Appiah-Kubi.

After the questioning, Appiah-Kubi called the attempted arrest politically motivated and legally unsound. He stated that Wontumi had nothing to hide.

Home Invasion Incident

On May 23, Ghanaians were shocked when National Security operatives surrounded Wontumi’s home in Kumasi. Armed officers arrived unexpectedly to arrest him over illegal mining activities linked to Akonta Mining Company Limited.

Supporters rushed to his residence to prevent the arrest, causing chaos. Speaking on Wontumi FM after the incident, he described it as a political attack. He questioned if he was still considered a Ghanaian under President Mahama's leadership.

Wontumi urged NPP supporters and Ghanaians to oppose what he called an abuse of power. He emphasized that Mahama's actions were unjustified since he only chairs a political party.

Accusations Against Mahama

Wontumi accused the Mahama administration of harming his businesses and freezing his bank accounts. He claimed this started back in 2013 when his business collapsed due to government actions.

Akonta Mining has faced accusations of illegal mining within Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. In 2022, then Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor ordered its closure for violating mining regulations.

The current Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah recently revoked all licenses held by Akonta Mining due to serious allegations against them. Wontumi denied any wrongdoing and insisted that Akonta Mining complied with laws since their suspension.

CocoaBod Payment Allegations

A report from an Accra-based TV station suggested that the raid related to a GH¢50 million payment from Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod). This payment allegedly occurred during the transition period between governments.

ChannelOne TV reported that Chief of Staff Julius Debrah had warned state agencies against making payments at that time.

Bail Granted

Chairman Wontumi has been granted bail with two sureties for an undisclosed amount. After being questioned by police, he addressed journalists about allegations regarding illegal mining activities.

He firmly denied engaging in galamsey and presented his license as proof of lawful operations. “I challenged them to provide evidence,” he said after being granted bail.