Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been granted bail with two sureties following interrogation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service in Accra.
His release comes after a tense standoff between security operatives and his supporters at his residence on May 23.
A joint National Security and police team attempted to arrest him, but the move sparked protests from dozens of NPP faithful who gathered outside his home in defiance.
Chairman Wontumi, who was charged with alleged involvement in illegal mining (galamsey), has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
“I was invited by the police and charged with being involved in galamsey. I presented my license to them to prove that I do not engage in illegal mining. 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 further clarified that although he previously applied for a license to operate in a forest area, the Forestry Commission, Lands Commission, and Minerals Commission informed him that the land was designated for protection.
“If anyone is working there now, I am not aware of it”.
Beyond the galamsey allegations, Chairman Wontumi also addressed financial claims linked to Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
He dismissed accusations of improper transactions, explaining that road contractors often self-finance projects before receiving payments based on assessments by COCOBOD engineers.
“My contract stated I should be paid within 28 days, but it took nearly three years. So COCOBOD cannot claim they don’t owe me”.
Chairman Wontumi was accompanied by his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, as he engaged with investigators.
