
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has voluntarily reported to the Ghana Police Service following a botched attempt by security operatives to search his residence last week.
The incident stems from a May 23 operation in which armed officers from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) arrived at Wontumi’s Kumasi home with a court-issued search warrant. However, the situation escalated when the NPP chairman alerted supporters, leading to a tense standoff. After negotiations between his legal team and the operatives, the security personnel withdrew, with an agreement that Wontumi would present himself to authorities on Monday.
Allegations of Illegal Mining
Reports indicate that the state is investigating Wontumi’s alleged involvement in illegal mining activities through his company, Akonta Mining Ltd. Earlier this month, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor revoked the company’s mining lease, a decision Wontumi is currently contesting in court.
Legal Reactions
Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, criticized the manner in which security forces approached the case, describing the early morning armed operation as excessive. “When somebody is asleep and a team of about 20 fully armed security personnel confronts you in the early morning like that, that in itself can constitute a breach,” he argued.
However, Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi defended the operation, stating that the security agencies acted within the law. “They should go to court if they think that what is going on is wrong. But that will not stop the security services from doing their duty,” he asserted.
Political Implications
The case has drawn significant attention given Wontumi’s influential role in the ruling NPP. While the government maintains that the investigation is strictly law enforcement-driven, critics speculate about possible political motivations, especially as Ghana approaches another election cycle.
The police are expected to continue their probe, while Wontumi’s legal team prepares for further court proceedings regarding both the mining lease revocation and the ongoing criminal investigation.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com