The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has once again found himself at the center of a major legal storm.
On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, he was rearrested and officially charged by the state over fresh allegations of his involvement in illegal mining activities — an issue that continues to spark national debate.
According to reports, this new development is linked to a second case against Wontumi, also tied to his controversial mining operations. The businessman and politician, known for his bold personality and strong political presence in the Ashanti Region, was escorted to the Criminal Court at the Accra High Court, where new criminal charges were expected to be filed.
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A Case That Refuses to Go Away
The latest case focuses on alleged illegal mining (galamsey) activities said to have taken place in the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve — one of Ghana’s protected forest areas. Alongside Wontumi, four other individuals have been named as co-accused: Edward Akuoko, Owusu Bempah, and Kwame Antwi, the Director of Akonta Mining Limited, who is reportedly still at large.
Together, the accused face a total of seven criminal charges, all connected to illegal mining and related environmental offences. The charges were read out in court, detailing specific actions believed to have violated Ghana’s mining and forestry laws.
The Charges in Detail
- Count 1: Undertaking mining operations without a licence – Wontumi pleaded not guilty.
- Count 2: Undertaking mining without a licence – Wontumi and Kwame Antwi charged; Wontumi pleaded not guilty.
- Count 3: Undertaking mining operations without a licence – Edward Akuoko and Owusu Bempah charged; Edward pleaded not guilty, while Owusu Bempah remains at large.
- Count 4: Felling trees in a forest reserve without a licence – Akonta Mining is alleged to have cut down over 300 trees in the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve; Wontumi pleaded not guilty.
- Count 5: Abetting unauthorised felling of trees – Wontumi, Kwame Antwi, Edward Akuoko, and Owusu Bempah charged; Wontumi and Edward pleaded not guilty.
- Count 6: Erecting buildings in a forest reserve without a licence – Akonta Mining allegedly built structures within the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve in 2022 without Forestry Commission approval; Wontumi pleaded not guilty.
- Count 7: Abetting unauthorised erection of buildings in forest reserves – Wontumi, Kwame Antwi, Edward Akuoko, and Owusu Bempah charged; Wontumi and Edward Akuoko pleaded not guilty.
Bail and Conditions
At the end of the court session, Chairman Wontumi was granted bail of GH¢10 million, with two sureties — one of which must be justified with landed property. The court also directed that he can only travel abroad with the explicit permission of the court, a condition that places his international movements under strict monitoring.
Despite being granted bail, reports from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service confirmed that Wontumi was taken back into custody immediately after the proceedings. This is reportedly connected to other ongoing investigations related to his mining activities.
Public Reactions and Political Implications
Chairman Wontumi is not just a businessman — he is a key political figure in Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party. Known for his outspoken nature and close ties to senior party leaders, his arrest and legal troubles have generated significant public attention.
While some observers believe the charges represent a serious step toward accountability and environmental protection, others view it as a politically motivated attack against a strong regional powerbroker within the NPP.
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Illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, remains one of Ghana’s biggest environmental challenges — polluting rivers, destroying forests, and threatening the livelihoods of local communities. The government has often pledged to clamp down on the practice, but enforcement has been inconsistent, especially when high-profile individuals are involved.
What Lies Ahead
As the case proceeds, all eyes remain on Wontumi and how this legal battle will unfold. His plea of not guilty across all charges sets the stage for what could be a long and complex trial. Beyond the courtroom, the case reignites the broader national conversation about galamsey, accountability, and the difficult balance between economic interests and environmental sustainability.
For now, Chairman Wontumi’s legal troubles continue — a reminder that in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, even powerful figures are not entirely beyond the reach of the law.
