Overview
The High Court in Accra has rescinded the arrest warrant issued for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, better known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The move comes amid ongoing legal proceedings in a case accusing him and Akonta Mining Company Limited of engaging in illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, in the Western Region.
What Happened in Court
The warrant was initially issued after Chairman Wontumi reportedly failed to attend a court session on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tay, who presided over the sitting, adjourned the case and subsequently issued the arrest warrant. Minutes after the adjournment, Wontumi and his lawyer filed an application seeking a re-hearing in the matter, citing a lack of notice of the exact start time for the trial.
In court, Wontumi’s lead counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, argued that the defense team was unaware of the precise start time and believed the proceedings would begin at 10:00am. The judge noted that while the start time for Tuesday’s trial was not advertised, it was expected that the parties would be present at 9:00am, the seating time of the court. The discrepancy prompted a reconsideration of the warrant.
Ruling and Bail Details
Following arguments, Justice Kocuvi-Tay decided to rescind the arrest warrant, indicating that the absence by the defendant did not stem from deliberate non-compliance but from a communication lapse regarding the court’s schedule. This decision allowed the case to proceed with the existing bail conditions intact.
Previously, on October 7, 2025, Chairman Wontumi was granted bail in the sum of GH¢15 million with three sureties. The court required two of the sureties to be justified with landed properties within the court’s jurisdiction. The order also directed Wontumi to surrender his passport to the registrar and placed his name on a stop-list at all entry points to prevent exit from the country. Additionally, sureties were to provide copies of their Ghana Cards and digital addresses to the registrar. Wontumi was ordered to report to the investigator on the first and third Mondays of every month.
Charges and Context
Chairman Wontumi, together with Akonta Mining Company Limited, faces charges related to unauthorised mining activities. The allegations include three counts of assigning mineral rights without the necessary approval and three counts of facilitating an unlicensed mining operation, all tied to alleged activities at Samreboi in the Western Region. The case invokes provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).
What This Means Going Forward
The rescission of the arrest warrant does not determine the outcome of the galamsey case. The court’s decision reflects a procedural consideration—specifically, the timing of court proceedings and the communication of those times to the defense. As the matter continues, both sides will likely present further arguments, evidence, and potentially additional requests for adjournments as the investigation and trial progress.
The development underscores the importance of clear communication in court logistics and the impact such details can have on high-profile prosecutions. Observers will watch closely to see if any further disputes about scheduling or compliance arise and how the court manages the balance between timely justice and fair notice to all parties involved.
