The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako—widely known as Chairman Wontumi—has been granted bail with two sureties after being questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service in Accra.

The political figure appeared before the CID on Monday, following a dramatic and unsuccessful attempt by a joint police and National Security team to arrest him at his Kumasi residence on Friday, 23 May. The incident sparked protests by dozens of NPP supporters who gathered outside his home in defiance.

Chairman Wontumi confirmed he had been charged in connection with illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey—a major environmental concern in Ghana. However, he strongly denied the allegations.

“I was invited by the police and charged with being involved in galamsey,” he told journalists after securing bail. “I presented my license to prove that I do not engage in illegal mining. They also claimed I was operating in a forest, but I told them it wasn’t me. If they have any evidence, they should show it.”

He further clarified that although he once applied for a mining license in a forest reserve, the application was rejected by the Forestry Commission, Lands Commission, and Minerals Commission. “If anyone is currently working there, I have no knowledge of it,” he added.

In addition to the mining allegations, Mr Boasiako addressed accusations surrounding financial transactions with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). He rejected claims that he had improperly received payments.

“If you’re building a road, the government doesn’t give you money in advance—you pre-finance it,” he explained. “Engineers from the Ghana Highways Authority and COCOBOD later assess the work and reimburse you based on agreed rates. My contract said I would be paid in 28 days, but it took nearly three years. So COCOBOD cannot say they don’t owe me.”

Source:TheDotNews