Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been granted GH¢1 million bail, pending the start of his trial today.
He is being prosecuted for allegedly engaging in illegal mining, particularly for mining without a permit.
In accordance with an order from Attorney-General and Justice Minister Dr. Dominic Ayine, he was granted bail after appearing before the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra yesterday, October 6.
Chairman Wontumi was previously threatened by Dr. Ayine with arrest if he did not appear at the CID as directed.
The Attorney General announced last Friday that the charges against Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining had been finalized and signed during President John Dramani Mahama’s meeting with civil society organizations against illegal mining.
“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 instructed.
For several months, inquiries into Akonta Mining’s activities have been going on.
Chairman Wontumi made an appearance before investigators accompanied by his attorney, Andy Appiah-Kubi.
He praised the professionalism of the police and the Attorney-General’s Office in remarks to reporters following the engagement.
“I want to congratulate the police system on showing professionalism. We also want to thank the Attorney-General for facilitating the entire process,” he mentioned.
“As you have seen, we will go to court, and that is where the decision will be taken. We are not here to maintain innocence, but we are allowed to proceed and then present our defence,” Mr. Antwi-Bosiako added, stating that the issue would be thoroughly discussed in court and verified that the case against him concerned mining without a license.
