The High Court in Accra has approved a GH₵15 million bail for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, following allegations linked to illegal mining activities.

The decision, delivered on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, came after the court heard arguments from Andy Appiah-Kubi, counsel for the accused, and Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai.

Under the bail terms, Chairman Wontumi Bail requires three sureties—two of whom must justify their credibility with landed property located within the jurisdiction of the court.

Wontumi, the first accused person and owner of Akonta Mining Company Limited, has pleaded not guilty to charges of facilitating unlicensed mining and assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval. The case traces back to alleged galamsey operations in Samreboi, Western Region, in 2024.

During the proceedings, Mr. Appiah-Kubi appealed to the court to grant bail, stating that his client posed no flight risk and remained willing to cooperate with investigators.

However, Dr. Srem-Sai, while not objecting to the bail application, urged the court to enforce stringent conditions, emphasizing the gravity of the charges and Wontumi’s financial capability.

> “Gold mining is a capital-intensive business, and by their own admission, the accused is a man of substance. It is common knowledge that persons of substance are often greater flight risks,” Dr. Srem-Sai remarked.

He further contended that Chairman Wontumi Bail should come with close monitoring, alleging that the accused had been uncooperative during investigations and only surrendered to the police following intervention from the Attorney General.

The presiding judge instructed investigators to submit monthly compliance reports directly to the court and ordered the prosecution to disclosures within three weeks.

The case has been adjourned to October 28, 2025, for the next hearing.