The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been granted bail of GH₵1 million with two sureties after being invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
According to his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, the NPP regional chairman has been charged with mining without a license.
He confirmed to the media that the bail conditions have been met and that his client has since been released.
Mr. Appiah-Kubi disclosed that Chairman Wontumi is expected to appear before the High Court on Tuesday, where the mining-related charges will be formally presented.
This follows a directive by Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, ordering the CID to investigate Chairman Wontumi over allegations of engaging in illegal mining activities.
The order came after reports and petitions suggesting that the Ashanti Regional Chairman was involved in unauthorized mining operations in parts of the region.
Meanwhile, tight security was observed at the CID Headquarters on Monday morning during Wontumi’s appearance as several NPP supporters and sympathizers gathered in solidarity with him.
Source: Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa
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