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Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, known widely as Chairman Wontumi, is scheduled to report once again to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal mining claims.
Chairman Wontumi visited the CID Headquarters in Accra around midday on Monday, May 26, 2025. He was accompanied by a legal team headed by former Attorney General Godfred Dame.
A statement released by Superintendent Joseph Benefo Darkwah, Head of Public Affairs at the CID, revealed that Wontumi had been formally cautioned on three charges: engaging in mining activities without the necessary permit, polluting water bodies, and unlawfully entering a forest reserve.
The statement also confirmed that he cooperated fully with investigators, submitted his statement, and was granted bail. He has been directed to return to the CID at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday for further engagement as investigations progress.
Police authorities assured the public that updates on the matter would be shared when appropriate.
Speaking to journalists after his interrogation, Chairman Wontumi denied any involvement in illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. He maintained that he has a valid mining licence and has always operated within the law.
“I was invited by the police on allegations of galamsey. I presented my licence to prove that I do not engage in any illegal mining. They also said I was operating in a forest, but I told them that wasn’t me. If there’s any proof, they should show it to me,” he said.
He further clarified that he once applied to mine in a forest area but was informed by the Forestry Commission, Lands Commission, and Minerals Commission that the area was protected. “So if anyone is currently working there, I have no knowledge of it,” he added.
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