The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, will remain in police custody tonight [October 7, 2025] despite being granted bail earlier in the day.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has not yet completed the verification of landed properties submitted by his sureties, a requirement before his release.

His lawyers confirmed that he is expected to spend the night in custody while the process continues.

Chairman Wontumi rearrested

Wontumi was rearrested on Tuesday October 7, 2025, after fresh criminal charges were filed against him in connection with alleged illegal mining activities.

He and four others have been accused of unlawfully mining in the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve, as well as related offences such as felling trees and erecting buildings in the reserve without authorisation.

At the Accra High Court, Wontumi pleaded not guilty to all seven charges brought against him.

He was, however, granted bail set at GH¢10 million with two sureties, one to be justified with landed property. The court also ruled that he can only travel outside the country with express permission.

Wontumi, Akonta Mining, director slapped with 6 criminal charges

Despite meeting the bail conditions, the CID is still verifying the sureties’ documents before effecting his release.







MA