Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been released after spending several days in police custody.
His release follows a court order granted earlier today, allowing him temporary freedom pending the next hearing of his ongoing case. The outspoken politician is expected to make his next court appearance on October 28, 2025.
Chairman Wontumi is accused of engaging in:
▪︎ Illegal mining (galamsey) — operating without a licence, mining in protected areas, entering forest reserves without permission.
▪︎ Pollution of water bodies.
▪︎ Fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.
▪︎ Assignment of mineral rights without the required approval from the Minister.
Bring In Foreign Security To Fight Galamsey— Saddick Adams
However, Chairman Wontumi’s legal team is confident of a favorable outcome when proceedings resume.
Chairman Wontumi is yet to make a public statement.