Also known as: Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako
NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman facing trial for illegal mining at Samreboi and fraud charges involving GH¢30 million, also running for NPP National Chairman.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, has initiated plea negotiations with the Attorney General’s office in the GH₵30 million Exim Bank fraud case. …
Defence counsel for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, told an Accra High Court on Monday that he intends to treat Detective Chief Inspector Eugene Akpoh Glover as a “star witness.” At the ongoing trial of Boasiako, a businessman and Ashanti Regional Chairman of …
Defence counsel for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, told an Accra High Court on Monday that he intends to treat Detective Chief Inspector Eugene Akpoh Glover as a “star witness.” At the ongoing trial of Boasiako, a businessman and Ashanti Regional Chairman of …
Aspiring National Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has dismissed criticism about his English proficiency, insisting that leadership is about service and results rather than language fluency. …
Aspiring National Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has said that his record of service and achievements within the party make him a strong candidate to lead the NPP at the national level. …
Aspiring National Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has stated that he is prepared to make any sacrifice necessary to help the party regain power in the 2028 general elections. …
Aspiring National Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has declared that he is the party’s most committed and effective campaigner, insisting that his track record and loyalty should be the basis for as …
Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka Wontumi A High Court in Accra has set July 3, 2026 to deliver its judgment in the trial of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), who is accused of facilitating others to mine on his Akonta …
The cross-examination of the fourth defence witness in the ongoing Samreboi illegal mining case involving Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and two others, has concluded. …
The National Chairman aspirant and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has declared that his political journey has been shaped by hardship, party trust, and a sustained record of electoral resili …
The High Court in Accra has granted Bernard Antwi Boasiako's new lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, until July 13, 2026, to submit written legal arguments in the criminal trial arising from alleged illegal mining activities at Samreboi, with judgment expected on July 20, 2026.
Why it matters
High Court sets July 20 judgment date in the Wontumi mining trial, marking a key milestone in a high-profile criminal proceeding.
The High Court in Accra has granted Bernard Antwi Boasiako's new lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, until July 13, 2026, to submit written legal arguments in the criminal trial arising from alleged illegal mining activities at Samreboi, with judgment expected on July 20, 2026.
The Attorney General's Office has opposed a request to postpone judgment in the criminal trial of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) over alleged illegal mining at Samreboi. The prosecution argues that the accused had continuous legal representation and that his lawyer's withdrawal was voluntary, so the application to delay lacks merit.
An Accra High Court has granted Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) and the Attorney General two weeks to negotiate a plea bargain in a case where Wontumi is accused of causing GH¢30 million financial loss to Ghana EXIM Bank. The case has been adjourned to July 2.
A High Court in Accra struck out an application by lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi to withdraw as counsel for NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), who faces accusations of permitting unauthorised mining on his company's concession at Samreboi in the Western Region. Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay ruled the application incompetent and not known to any criminal procedure rule, while Wontumi's legal team has since appointed Samuel Atta-Akyea ahead of the court's judgment.
Criminal Division 4 of the High Court in Accra dismissed lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi's application to withdraw as counsel for Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) in the Samreboi illegal mining case. The court found the application lacked legal authority and had not been served on the accused persons, requiring Appiah-Kubi to remain counsel as the trial continues.
Under Ghana's Legal Profession Act and rules, lawyers cannot withdraw from representing a client without "good cause," though optional withdrawal is permitted in cases of lost confidence or unpaid fees, and mandatory withdrawal is required in certain circumstances. The article examines this framework in the context of a lead defence counsel seeking to withdraw from the high-profile Samaraboi/Akonta Mining criminal case after trial conclusion.
Dr Justice Yankson, a lawyer and former General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association, has called on the Attorney-General's Department to ensure fairness, transparency and public accountability in any plea bargaining arrangement involving Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako in his ongoing criminal case. Yankson stressed that while plea bargaining is a lawful feature of Ghana's criminal justice system, the process must be conducted in a manner that inspires public confidence and serves the broader interests of justice.
The CEO of CenCES has urged the Attorney-General to consider accepting a plea bargain in the case involving Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako if it would serve justice and enable recovery of state resources, arguing that plea bargaining is an established component of Ghana's criminal justice system and can secure restitution while avoiding lengthy proceedings.
Andy Appiah-Kubi, lawyer for NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Wontumi), says his client's initiation of plea bargain discussions in the GH¢14.3 million loan fraud case against Exim Bank does not constitute an admission of guilt, but rather an effort to resolve legal issues under Ghana's Criminal Procedure Act framework.
Anti-corruption campaigner Vitus Azeem has warned that the increasing use of plea bargaining in corruption cases could weaken Ghana's fight against graft if not handled with transparency and strict safeguards, citing reports that NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako is seeking a plea bargain in the GH¢30 million Exim Bank fraud trial.
Chairman Wontumi and two other accused have formally requested plea negotiations with the Attorney General's office in a GH₵30 million Exim Bank fraud case involving charges of defrauding by false pretenses, money laundering, and intentionally causing financial loss to a public body. Under Act 1079, a plea bargain allows an accused to plead guilty to lesser charges for a reduced sentence, subject to court approval and the Attorney General's assessment of evidence strength, state fund recovery, and public interest.
Defence counsel for Bernard Antwi Boasiako in the Tano Nnimire illegal mining trial told an Accra High Court on Monday that he intends to use Detective Chief Inspector Eugene Akpoh Glover as a "star witness." During cross-examination, the investigator maintained his findings were factual but acknowledged he had no direct evidence placing Boasiako at the mining site and had not personally met the listed complainants.
Defence counsel for Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Wontumi), on trial in an illegal mining case, told Accra High Court on Monday that he plans to treat Detective Chief Inspector Eugene Akpoh Glover as a "star witness" after the prosecution withdrew two witnesses. Under cross-examination, Glover maintained his findings were factual but acknowledged there was no direct evidence placing Boasiako at the Tano Nnimire Forest Reserve site and that investigations indicated Boasiako had not personally been there.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, an aspiring National Chairman of the NPP, has dismissed criticism about his English proficiency, arguing that leadership is about service and results rather than language fluency. He says his 20 years of experience in the party is his strongest qualification for the position and that he is focused on helping the NPP regain power in 2028.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), current Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition NPP, is running for National Chairman. He argues his record of service and progression through party ranks—from constituency to regional leadership—makes him qualified, and claims he would be the first from the Ashanti Region to reach the national position.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, an aspiring National Chairman of the opposition NPP, says he is prepared to make any sacrifice to help the party regain power in 2028, citing his track record as Ashanti Regional Chairman and emphasis on delivering results over rhetoric.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), aspiring National Chairman of the NPP, says his commitment and campaigning ability make him the right candidate to unify the party ahead of the 2028 elections, pledging an inclusive and consultative leadership style.
A High Court in Accra has scheduled July 3, 2026 to deliver judgment in the trial of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Wontumi), who is accused of facilitating unlicensed mining on his Akonta Mining Company Limited's Samreboi concession without ministerial approval. He and his company face charges of assignment of mineral rights without approval and purposely facilitating an unlicensed mining operation under the Minerals and Mining Act.
Former Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, a defence witness in the Samreboi illegal mining case involving Chairman Wontumi and two others, admitted during cross-examination that he had no personal knowledge of discussions between Chairman Wontumi and prosecution witness Henry Okum regarding the assignment of the mining concession at the centre of the criminal trial.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Ashanti Regional Chairman and NPP National Chairman aspirant, told delegates that his political journey of hardship and electoral resilience has shaped him to lead the party into the 2028 general elections. He credited his rise from constituency to three consecutive terms as regional chairman with strengthening the party's electoral base in the Ashanti region.
NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako denied in court that he authorised mining on Akonta Mining's concession, saying his arrangement with witness Henry Okum was only for land reclamation and coconut cultivation. The prosecution contends that he knowingly allowed mining activities and intentionally distanced himself from operations.
An Accra court has given lawyers for Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) a final deadline of Thursday, May 28, 2026, to produce additional witnesses in his criminal trial. The court warned that failure to present witnesses by then would result in the court assuming the defence has no further witnesses and proceeding to addresses before setting a judgment date.
Former NPP National Chairman Freddie Blay has expressed support for Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Wontumi) in his bid for the party's national chairmanship. Blay praised Wontumi's campaign structure and assured him of backing throughout the race.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako's campaign team has condemned videos on TikTok by a user called "Boya" that allegedly contain insults and personal attacks on its management members, calling for restraint and pledging to focus on issue-based campaigning rather than character attacks.
Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed has defended Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) against criminal charges linked to an Exim Bank loan facility, arguing that any irregularities should be blamed on the bank rather than the beneficiary and accusing the Attorney-General of targeting political opponents.
NPP National Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako has expressed condolences following the death of Maxwell Kofi Anti, aide to Oda MP Akwasi Acquah, who was killed in a road accident on May 17 while the party monitored Polling Station Executive Elections in the Eastern Region. Three others remain in critical condition, including the Deputy Constituency Organiser at Koforidua Regional Hospital.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, has begun stakeholder engagements within the party ahead of its National Executive elections, paying courtesy calls on NPP 2028 flagbearer Mahamudu Bawumia and former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to formally inform them of his intention to contest for the position of National Chairman.
Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) has unveiled his campaign team for the NPP's internal elections, drawing on experienced politicians and party figures after nationwide consultations. The team includes former MPs and ministers such as Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh as Campaign Chairman and George Boahen Oduro as Campaign Manager.
A case management hearing in the Samreboi mining case involving Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako has been concluded, with the court adjourning proceedings to May 14, 2026. Chairman Wontumi and co-accused are on trial for allegedly transferring mining rights in Akonta Mining's Samreboi concession to a third party without approval from the Minister responsible for Mines.
The High Court's Criminal Court 4 continued proceedings in the trial of Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) over alleged illegal mining activities at Samreboi concession without required authorisation. During proceedings on May 7, 2026, the defence lawyer resisted proposed dates for opening the defence case and requested longer adjournments, prompting a sharp reaction from presiding judge Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, who accused defence lawyers of contributing to delays in Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) cases.