Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has regained his freedom after satisfying all bail requirements.
He was released on Friday, October 10, 2025.
On Thursday, October 9, Wontumi’s lead counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, had disclosed that his client would likely be released by Friday once a few outstanding formalities were completed.
“We have met all the bail conditions, except the transfer of his passport from EOCO to the registrar of the court. Officials at EOCO assured us they would deliver it tomorrow, so God willing, Chairman Wontumi will come home,” Appiah-Kubi told TV3.
He added that the process of verifying and valuing properties used to secure bail often delays the actual release of accused persons, despite a court’s ruling in their favour.
“When someone has not been convicted, they are entitled to their freedom. But the verification and evaluation of property can take time, which sometimes keeps accused persons in custody longer than necessary,” he explained.
Appiah-Kubi further argued that the procedures surrounding bail need review to ensure fairness and prevent unnecessary financial burdens.
“In cases where the value of the property is high, the accused could lose about one percent of it. For a GH¢20 million bail, that means paying about GH¢200,000 – which is not fair. Bail is not supposed to be a punishment,” he emphasized.
Chairman Wontumi, along with Akonta Mining Company Limited and a co-director, Kwame Antwi, has been charged with six counts related to breaches of Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act.
The charges stem from allegations that Wontumi and his company allowed unauthorised mining operations on their Samreboi concession by granting access to two individuals without ministerial approval.
Both Wontumi and Antwi are accused of facilitating unlicensed mining activities, while Akonta Mining itself faces corporate liability for enabling these operations – all in violation of Sections 14(1) and 99(2)(b) of the Act.
Essentially, the prosecution argues that Wontumi and his co-director knowingly permitted and aided illegal mining on the company’s concession, making both the individuals and the firm culpable.
The Attorney-General’s Office is seeking to hold them accountable for transferring mineral rights unlawfully, facilitating unlicensed operations, and failing to prevent illegal mining.
