The lawyer for Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako—commonly known as Chairman Wontumi—has blamed administrative delays within state institutions for the continued detention of his client, despite bail conditions being met.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News, Chairman Wontumi’s counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed that while all bail requirements have been fulfilled, the processing of the release order is still ongoing.
“We’ve met the bail conditions, but the delay stems from the processing of the court’s order. The verification of the properties used as surety and their valuation is the responsibility of state agencies, and that’s where the holdup is,” he explained.
He specifically cited the Lands Commission as one of the institutions involved, revealing that officials initially had difficulty locating the registration plan for one of the properties listed for the bail.
“I’m informed that the property has now been located, and a report is being forwarded to the court registrar,” Appiah-Kubi added.
He expressed confidence that the outstanding administrative steps would be completed by the end of the day to facilitate his client’s release.
Chairman Wontumi remains in custody two days after the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court granted him GH₵15 million bail on Tuesday, October 7, in connection with two cases related to alleged illegal mining activities.
The charges stem from alleged mining operations involving Akonta Mining Limited, a company linked to him, in the Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region. He is facing multiple charges, including engaging in illegal mining and causing environmental destruction.
In addition, a travel ban has been placed on Chairman Wontumi, preventing him from leaving the country while the legal proceedings continue.
