The High Court in Accra has vacated an earlier bench warrant issued for the arrest of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, after the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) appeared before the court shortly after the order was made.

Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tay, who presides over the case, had earlier issued the warrant on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, when neither Wontumi nor his legal representatives were present at the scheduled hearing around 9:40 a.m.

No explanation had initially been given for their absence, prompting the court to invoke its powers to compel his attendance.

The proceedings had been set for the filing of disclosures and case management.

However, moments after the warrant was issued, Chairman Wontumi arrived in court, leading the judge to rescind the order.

The prosecution team, led by Chief State Attorney Stella Ohene Appiah, was present and ready to proceed when the case was called.

The case relates to allegations that Wontumi permitted illegal mining operations on his company’s concession without proper authorisation. He was previously arrested and granted bail earlier this year over similar charges.

Following Tuesday’s development, the hearing of the substantive case has been adjourned to a later date.

Meanwhile, Chairman Wontumi is expected to appear before Criminal Court 1 on November 4, 2025, to face separate charges filed earlier this month in connection with other alleged offences.

The latest twist adds another layer of public interest to the ongoing legal saga involving the NPP regional chairman, whose influence in both political and business circles continues to draw national attention.