The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is set to report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) again on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Chairman Wontumi appeared at the CID Headquarters in Accra at midday on Monday, May 26, 2025, accompanied by a legal team led by former Attorney General Godfred Dame.
According to a press release signed by Superintendent Joseph Benefo Darkwah, Head of the Public Affairs Unit at the CID, Wontumi was cautioned on three allegations:
- Undertaking mining operations without a license
2. Pollution of water bodies
3. Entering a forest reserve without authorisation
The statement noted that Wontumi cooperated fully with investigators, provided his statement, and was subsequently granted bail. He is expected to report to the CID at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, as investigations continue.
The police assured the public that further developments regarding the case would be communicated in due course.
Meanwhile, Chairman Wontumi in an interview with journalists after his interrogation by the CID denied allegations linking him to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
He stated that he had presented his mining licence to authorities to prove that he operates legally.
“I was invited by the police and charged with being involved in galamsey. I presented my licence to them to prove that I do not engage in illegal mining or galamsey. They also claimed I was working in the forest, but I told them it wasn’t me. If they have any evidence, they should show it to me,” he said.
He further explained that while he had previously applied for a license to operate in a forest area, the Forestry Commission, Lands Commission, and Minerals Commission had informed him that the land was designated for protection. “So, if anyone is working there now, I am not aware of it,” he added.
