The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has released the New Patriotic Party (NPP)'s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi on bail.

The Ashanti Regional Chairman voluntarily made an appearance at the CID headquarters yesterday alongside his legal team including former Attorney General, Godfred Dame after an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

This follows a failed attempt by a joint team of National Security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on May 23, 2025 on allegations of his company, Akonta Mining's involvement in illegal mining activities.

However, according to sources, Chairman Wontumi denied these claims during his interrogation presenting documents to authenticate his claims.

He insists he was not involved in any illegal mining activities or operating in any forest reserve.

Following the interrogations, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako better known as Chairman Wontumi has arrived at the CID headquarters, following an invitation by the police.[🎥:@The1957News ] pic.twitter.com/b19hHlT4fP— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) May 26, 2025

In addition to this, after the failed search attempt by the Police and National Security operatives, Mr Boasiako expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence.

A search warrant was provided for a search, but the reason for the search is not yet known to the public.

The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

During the press briefing, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, 2025, argues that the minister's statements were false and damaging to its reputation.