Wontumi granted bail set to report to CID again today

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He was granted bail and must report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today, May 27, 2025.

Superintendent Joseph Benefo Darkwah leads the Public Affairs Unit at CID. He announced that Wontumi faces three allegations:

1. Mining without a license.
2. Polluting water bodies.
3. Entering a forest reserve without permission.

The police stated that Wontumi cooperated with investigators and provided his statement before being granted bail.

After his interrogation, Chairman Wontumi spoke to journalists. He said he was invited by police regarding galamsey activities. He presented his license to prove he does not engage in illegal mining.

Wontumi denied working in a forest reserve and challenged anyone with evidence to show it. He also refuted claims of receiving GH₵50 million from COCOBOD during his final days in office.

He insisted these allegations are completely false. On May 26, after another case related to illegal mining, he reiterated that he did not collect money from COCOBOD.

Wontumi explained how government contracts work for road construction. Contractors use their own funds upfront and get reimbursed later after project completion.

He noted that COCOBOD took nearly three years to pay him what they owed. Therefore, he argued that COCOBOD cannot claim they do not owe him money.