The Ghana Police Service has directed the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to report again to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

In a press release dated May 26, 2025, and signed by Superintendent Joseph Benefo Darkwah, Head of the Public Affairs Unit at the CID, the police stated that Chairman Wontumi had reported to the CID Headquarters earlier that day following an official invitation.

He was cautioned on three key allegations: Undertaking mining operations without a license, pollution of water bodies and entering a forest reserve without authorisation.

According to the police, Chairman Wontumi was accompanied by a team of lawyers led by former Attorney General Godfred Dame. The statement noted that he cooperated fully with investigators and gave a formal statement.

He was subsequently granted bail and is expected to continue assisting with the investigation.

The CID says further developments in the matter will be communicated to the general public.

Wontumi earlier today turned himself in to the Ghana Police Service following last week's failed attempt by operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to execute a search warrant at his Kumasi home on May 23.

• Read also: Wontumi turns himself in after failed security operation

A tense standoff ensued on that day when heavily armed national security operatives tried to enter his residence with a court-approved search warrant.

According to JoyNews, the operation was close to leading to an arrest when Chairman Wontumi raised an alarm, drawing a crowd of supporters to the scene.

• Read also: “Am I not a Ghanaian?” – Wontumi lashes out after National Security raid

The standoff prompted negotiations between the operatives and Wontumi’s legal team. The operatives eventually withdrew, and Wontumi’s lawyers agreed to present him to the police on Monday.”

The state is pursuing Bernard Antwi Boasiako for his alleged involvement in illegal mining activities through his company, Akonta Mining.

Earlier this month, Land and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah announced the termination of the Akonta Mining lease. Wontumi, however, is challenging the cancellation in court.