Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been granted bail in the sum of GH₵1 million with two sureties after being questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed that the NPP regional chairman has been charged with mining without a licence and that all bail conditions have been satisfied, leading to his release.
Mr. Appiah-Kubi further disclosed that his client is expected to appear before the High Court on Tuesday, where the charges will be formally presented.
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The development follows a directive by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, instructing the CID to investigate Chairman Wontumi over allegations of involvement in illegal mining operations linked to Akonta Mining Limited, a company associated with him.
The probe was triggered by reports and petitions alleging that the Ashanti Regional Chairman was engaged in unauthorised mining activities in parts of the region.
Meanwhile, there was tight security presence at the CID Headquarters on Monday morning, as scores of NPP supporters and sympathisers gathered to show solidarity with Chairman Wontumi during his appearance.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem