Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, spent the night in police custody on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, after failing to meet bail conditions. He was arrested upon voluntarily presenting himself to the police following allegations of assaulting Member of Parliament for Manhyia North, Collins Owusu Amankwah, and the NPP Constituency Secretary, Felix Ibrahim, during a dispute at a registration center in Krofom, Kumasi.
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Chairman Wontumi was granted bail in the sum of GH₵20,000 with two sureties. The court also stipulated that one of the sureties must possess a landed property or deposit an amount of GH₵10,000. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit assault and assaulting a public officer under Section 205 of the Criminal Offences Act. The case is scheduled for further proceedings.
The arrest has sparked reactions within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), with supporters gathering at the Kumasi Central Police Station to demand his release. Some party executives have expressed concerns about the party’s internal dynamics, citing issues such as neglect of responsibilities and alleged conflicts within the Ashanti Regional leadership. Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), remains in custody after failing to meet the stringent bail conditions set for him following his arrest on allegations related to illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey.
He was granted bail set at a staggering GH¢50 million, with two sureties, both of which had to meet strict justification requirements — a condition his legal team was unable to fulfill before nightfall on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. As a result, Chairman Wontumi spent the night at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters in Accra.
His lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, spoke to journalists confirming the delay:
“This is part of an ongoing police enquiry. We are complying fully, and hopefully, the conditions will be met soon.”
Chairman Wontumi’s arrest came after he appeared voluntarily at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service for questioning over the illegal mining allegations. The case is part of a broader investigation into illegal mining activities that have drawn significant attention nationally due to their environmental and economic impact.
The high bail amount and strict conditions reflect the seriousness with which authorities are treating the Following his questioning at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) was promptly taken into custody by officials from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for further interrogation. This move is part of a broadening investigation into illicit mining activities and corruption, specifically focusing on alleged financial losses to the state linked to illegal mining operations.
According to his lawyer, Wontumi is now facing an investigation by EOCO for “causing financial loss to the state,” a serious charge that carries significant legal and political implications if substantiated.
Wontumi’s troubles with the law have not been new; he has faced previous cautions and allegations including:
- Engaging in mining activities without a license
- Polluting water bodies in mining areas
- Operating within protected forest reserves
Despite consistently denying any wrongdoing, these accusations have continued to generate controversy and public scrutiny surrounding his involvement in illegal mining activities.
The unfolding investigation marks a critical phase, with authorities intensifying their probe into the nexus between illegal mining, environmental damage, and potential financial misconduct involving key figures like Chairman Wontumi.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman known for his flamboyant style and deep political connections, is now facing the most serious legal challenge of his career. His arrest has sent shockwaves through the New Patriotic Party ranks, sparking a swift and passionate response from his supporters.
Late into the night following his detention, a large crowd of NPP loyalists and party executives gathered outside EOCO’s Ridge premises, vocally demanding his release. Many accused the authorities of political intimidation, framing the arrest as part of a broader attempt to undermine the party and its leadership.
With the GH¢50 million bail still unmet and investigations by EOCO and the Ghana Police Service intensifying, the situation is rapidly evolving into a high-stakes legal and political saga. The spotlight is firmly on the security agencies as the nation watches closely for the next developments.
Chairman Wontumi’s legal team has assured the public that they are working tirelessly to meet the bail conditions, but his overnight stay in EOCO custody marks a dramatic escalation in a case that has already captured widespread national attention — one that could significantly shape political dynamics in the Ashanti Region and beyond.
