The trial of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, officially begins today, Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

This development follows his appearance before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on Monday, October 6, 2025, in compliance with a directive from the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine.

Chairman Wontumi faces charges of engaging in illegal mining activities and mining without a licence, offences reportedly linked to Akonta Mining Limited, a company alleged to be under his ownership.

He was earlier granted bail of GH¢1 million ahead of the trial.

His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed that the charges centre on mining without a licence, noting that the legal team is fully prepared to contest the allegations in court.

“As you have seen, we will go to court, and that is where the decision will be taken.

We are not here to declare guilt or innocence prematurely, but to ensure that due process is followed and our defense properly presented,” Mr. Appiah-Kubi stated.