The Accra High Court has cancelled the arrest warrant for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi. He is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The warrant was issued on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, by Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tay. It happened because Chairman Wontumi and his lawyers were not in court when the case began at 9:40 a.m.
Chief State Attorney Stella Ohene Appiah and her team were present in court. But the accused and his lawyers were missing and gave no reason for their absence.
Because of that, the judge ordered the police to arrest Chairman Wontumi. The court then issued a bench warrant for his immediate arrest.
However, a few moments later, Wontumi and his lawyers arrived in the courtroom. The judge then cancelled the arrest order after confirming their presence.
Reporter Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa from Adom News said the incident caused a short delay. He explained that the situation was quickly resolved when the legal team arrived.
Chairman Wontumi is facing trial with Kwame Antwi, a director of Akonta Mining Company Limited. The company itself is also part of the case.
They are accused of breaking Ghana’s mining laws. The charges include giving out mining rights without approval and helping others mine without a license.
These acts go against the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995. The court is handling the case under this law.
The case is part of an investigation into illegal mining in Samreboi in the Western North Region. Akonta Mining has been linked to mining in protected forest areas.
Earlier on October 7, 2025, the accused appeared in court. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.
The case was postponed to October 28, 2025, for case management and document sharing. The hearing was to plan the next stage of the trial.
Because of the confusion over their late arrival, the court took some time to continue. The judge then withdrew the bench warrant officially.
The case will continue on the next court date. Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused will remain on bail as the trial goes on.
Source : Adomonline.com
