Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra.
He arrived around 9:30 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, in compliance with a directive from the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, who last week warned that Wontumi would be arrested if he failed to appear before investigators.
The move comes amid ongoing investigations into Akonta Mining Limited, a company linked to the NPP regional chairman, which is being probed for alleged involvement in illegal mining operations.
Why Wontumi Was Summoned
According to the Attorney General, the case had long been delayed due to missing and concealed dockets from the previous administration, which reportedly stalled progress on the investigation.
Speaking during a national dialogue on illegal mining in Accra on Friday, October 3, Dr. Ayine disclosed that the charges against Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining had been finalized and signed, adding that failure to appear voluntarily would trigger an immediate arrest warrant.
“The charges against Wontumi and Akonta Mining have been signed. He should be here on Monday. If he doesn’t come by Monday, I will order his arrest, and his charges will be read to him,”
Dr. Ayine said.
This directive appeared to place new urgency on a case that has been under public scrutiny for several months, given the political profile of the NPP regional chairman and the recurring national debate over the fight against galamsey (illegal mining).
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Lawyer Confirms Cooperation, Questions Warning
Ahead of Monday’s appearance, Andy Appiah-Kubi, counsel for Chairman Wontumi, confirmed to Citi News that his client would honour the CID’s invitation but expressed surprise at the Attorney General’s public warning.
“We have been asked to appear at the police CID in Accra, which we are ready for, and we will be there at 10 a.m. at the CID headquarters,” Mr. Appiah-Kubi said.
“The announcement by the Attorney General surprises me. I said we respect the invitation and we will honour it, but I think the warning that followed was unnecessary. We are not in any way going to disrespect the invitation.”
Mr. Appiah-Kubi emphasized that his client has consistently cooperated with investigators, adding that Chairman Wontumi has never attempted to evade police processes.
Background: Akonta Mining Controversy
Akonta Mining Limited, associated with Chairman Wontumi, has been the subject of public debate following allegations of engaging in mining activities in forest reserves without the required permits.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID), led by DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, earlier confirmed that investigations into the company’s operations were ongoing. She stated that several individuals had already been questioned, and at least one other person connected to the company had been arrested.
Chairman Wontumi, for his part, has denied any wrongdoing. In earlier statements on his television network, Wontumi TV, he insisted that Akonta Mining operates legally under valid licenses and that he has provided all necessary documentation to the authorities.
“I want to tell the public that I am not into galamsey. I have a large-scale company which Akonta Mining is under. All the required documents I have, and I will make them available,” he said.
He also pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigations, stressing that he believes in the rule of law.
“I am appealing to them to use the law. They should do their investigations, and we should let the law work,” he added.
The Bigger Picture
Chairman Wontumi’s appearance before the CID comes at a critical time, as the government renews efforts to clamp down on illegal mining operations across the country. His case has become symbolic of the political dimensions of Ghana’s anti-galamsey campaign, especially amid growing calls for accountability among political figures linked to the mining sector.
Observers say the outcome of this case could either strengthen or undermine public confidence in the justice system’s handling of politically sensitive matters.
Meanwhile, the CID has assured the public that the investigation will be conducted impartially and transparently, and that updates will be provided once the process reaches a conclusive stage.
