Wontumi Granted Bail With Two Sureties Following Charges Of illegal Mining

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been granted bail with two sureties. The bail amount, however, remains undisclosed.

Chairman Wontumi voluntarily appeared at the Police CID Headquarters on Monday, May 26, 2025, following an unsuccessful attempt to arrest him on Friday, May 22, 2025.

He was accompanied by his legal team, which included former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame and former Asante-Akim North MP, Andy Appiah-Kubi.

Speaking to the media after his interrogation, Chairman Wontumi confirmed that the questioning involved allegations of his involvement in illegal mining (galamsey), which he firmly denied, insisting he has no ties to such activities.

He stated that he presented his license as evidence of operating a legally authorized mining business.

“I went to show them my license to prove that I am not involved in galamsey,” Chairman Wontumi said. “They also alleged that I have been mining in a forest reserve, but I denied the claim and challenged them to provide evidence.”

He added that he was granted bail with two sureties.

Chairman Wontumi has been formally charged with engaging in mining activities without the necessary authorization.

His appearance before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) follows a dramatic episode on Friday, May 23, when a joint team of National Security operatives and police officers attempted—unsuccessfully—to arrest him at his residence. The highly publicized event drew significant public attention, especially after videos circulated online showing heavily armed personnel surrounding his home. Supporters of Wontumi have described the move as politically motivated and aimed at intimidating him.

As of now, the Ghana Police Service has not released an official statement detailing the scope or findings of the investigation.