Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of Ghana's ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been granted bail in the amount of GH¢1 million following his detention over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities, locally referred to as galamsey.
The bail, which requires two sureties, was set after Wontumi appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
He faces multiple charges, including mining without a valid license, in connection with an ongoing probe into illegal mining operations that have raised environmental concerns across the country.
During his appearance, Wontumi denied any involvement in galamsey, stating that he holds legitimate mining concessions and is not engaged in unlawful practices.
This development comes amid heightened national scrutiny on illegal mining, which has been blamed for environmental degradation, including the pollution of water bodies and destruction of forests.
The case against Wontumi is part of broader efforts by authorities to crack down on galamsey, with recent reports highlighting damage to infrastructure, such as an $18 million rail line affected by mining activities.
Wontumi is scheduled to appear in court today, October 7, to face the charges formally.
The high-profile nature of the case, involving a prominent political figure, has sparked discussions on social media and in political circles about accountability in the mining sector.
As the trial proceeds, it could have implications for the NPP ahead of upcoming elections, given Wontumi's influential role in the party.
Authorities have not released further details on the specific evidence against him, but the bail conditions reflect the seriousness of the allegations.
The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how illegal mining cases involving public figures are handled in Ghana.
Rate This Article
Thanks for reading: Wontumi Granted GH¢1M Bail in Mining Allegations, Sorry, my English is bad:)