The High Court in Accra has imposed stringent bail conditions on the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following his prosecution on multiple charges related to illegal mining activities.
As part of the court’s directive, Chairman Wontumi has been placed on a stop list at all entry and exit points across Ghana, effectively restricting his international travel while the case proceeds.
Chairman Wontumi, who also owns Akonta Mining Company Limited, is facing two separate cases at different divisions of the High Court.
In the first case, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay at the Criminal Division, the accused pleaded not guilty to several illegal mining-related offences.
After listening to arguments from both the prosecution and defence, the court granted him bail of GH¢15 million with three sureties two of whom must justify their bail with landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
The court also directed that Wontumi must deposit his passport with the court registrar.
The sureties must submit copies of their Ghana Cards and digital addresses to the registrar.
He must report to the case investigator on the first and third Monday of every month.
The prosecution has been given three weeks to file all documents it intends to rely on. The case will resume on October 28, 2025.
Second Case, Additional Restrictions
In the second case, heard by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, Chairman Wontumi was granted bail of GH¢10 million with two sureties, one of whom is to justify with landed property.
Similar to the first ruling, the accused must surrender his passport to the court registry and report to the police twice each month until the trial concludes. The case has been adjourned to November 4, 2025.
Travel Ban Reinforced
Both courts emphasized the importance of ensuring that the accused remains within the country to face trial. Consequently, the directive to place Chairman Wontumi on a stop list at all ports of entry and exit has been formally enforced as part of his bail conditions.
The dual cases mark a significant legal challenge for the NPP regional chairman, who has repeatedly denied involvement in illegal mining operations despite persistent public scrutiny surrounding his mining company, Akonta Mining Limited.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
