Chairman Wontumi Granted Bail Amid Ongoing Investigations into Illicit Mining Activities

Strategic Insights -

Ghanaian politician Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has been granted bail after reporting to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra to assist with investigations into allegations of illegal mining activities. Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was invited to cooperate with investigators over alleged involvement in unauthorized mining operations, pollution of water bodies, and entering a forest reserve without permission. He was accompanied by a team of lawyers, including former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, and cooperated fully with investigators, providing his statement before being granted bail.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chairman Wontumi has been granted bail after reporting to the CID to assist with investigations into allegations of illegal mining activities.
  • He was cautioned over alleged involvement in unauthorized mining operations, pollution of water bodies, and entering a forest reserve without permission.
  • Wontumi cooperated fully with investigators and provided his statement, submitting his mining licenses for verification.
  • He denied all allegations, claiming his operations are entirely legal and regulated, and challenged investigators to present evidence of his involvement in unauthorized activities.
  • Wontumi acknowledged the nature of the allegations, stating that he provided relevant documents to prove his activities were within legal limits.
  • He responded to allegations concerning a GHS50 million payment made by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to his company, Hallmark Civil Engineering, and claimed that the payment was delayed due to technical issues.

Statistics:

  • GHS50 million: The amount allegedly paid by COCOBOD to Chairman Wontumi's company, Hallmark Civil Engineering.
  • 28 days: The timeframe stipulated in Wontumi's contract with COCOBOD for payment after evaluation by engineers.
  • 3 years: The time taken for recompense to be paid to Wontumi.
  • May 26, 2025: The date Chairman Wontumi reported to the CID to assist with investigations.
  • May 27, 2025: The date Chairman Wontumi is expected to return to the CID as investigations continue.

Sources:

  • A police statement signed by Superintendent Joseph Benefo Darkwah, Head of the Public Affairs Unit at the CID.
  • Sources familiar with the interrogation, who disclosed Chairman Wontumi's reaction and submissions to investigators.
  • Chairman Wontumi's statement to the media after being released on bail.