A bench warrant issued earlier today for the arrest of Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, was formally rescinded after he appeared in court shortly thereafter.

The warrant had been issued by the High Court’s Criminal Division at around 9:40 a.m., after Mr. Wontumi failed to show up when the case was called.

However, he and his legal team arrived past 10:00 a.m. and petitioned the court for the rescission, which was granted at 11:39 a.m.

During the proceedings, Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, informed the bench that they had believed the hearing was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. as a case management conference, not the earlier time set.

The presiding judge, Audrey Kocuvi-Tay, while granting the rescission, warned Wontumi about future punctuality, stating that when a 9:00 a.m. appearance is scheduled, he should “lay his bed here” at 8:30 a.m.

The trial, which involves charges against Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited for alleged unauthorized assignment of mineral rights and facilitating unlicensed mining operations at Samreboi in the Western Region, has now been adjourned to November 4, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Criminal Court 4.

Wontumi was previously granted bail in the sum of GH¢15,000,000 with three sureties under strict conditions, including surrendering his passport and being placed on a stop list.