The Accra High Court has today, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, issued a bench warrant for the immediate arrest of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Wontumi).
The drastic measure was ordered by the presiding judge after the high-profile politician failed to appear in court for his ongoing criminal trial without obtaining prior permission or providing a justifiable reason for his absence.
hairman Wontumi is standing trial as the first accused in a case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited, of which he is the owner. He faces charges of facilitating unlicensed mining and assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval, relating to alleged illegal mining operations in Samreboi, Western Region, in 2024.
On October 7, 2025, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay granted Wontumi bail in the sum of GH¢15 million with three sureties, two of whom must justify with landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
During the bail hearing, Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, argued that his client posed no flight risk and would cooperate fully with the authorities.
However, Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai urged the court to impose strict bail conditions, citing the seriousness of the offences and the accused’s financial capacity.
He further alleged that Wontumi had been uncooperative during investigations and only presented himself to the police following the Attorney General’s intervention, despite earlier invitations.
Dr. Srem-Sai also expressed concern about the second accused, Kwame Antwi, who remains at large, adding that Wontumi had not assisted in providing information about his co-director’s identity or location.
Source: Joynews
