Wontumi Escapes Arrest: Accra High Court Rescinds Bench Warrant After Late Arrival Explanation
The Accra High Court has quashed a bench warrant issued for the arrest of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following his late arrival to a hearing on Monday morning.
The warrant, issued around 9:40 a.m. for failing to appear on time in the Republic v. Akonta Mining and Chairman Wontumi case, was rescinded after Wontumi and his legal team arrived shortly after 10:00 a.m., with lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi explaining the mix-up over the scheduled start time.
Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Bediako, presiding over the matter involving unlawful mineral rights assignment, cautioned Wontumi to be punctual henceforth, warning that future breaches could lead to bail revocation.
The case was adjourned to November 4, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., with Wontumi, co-accused Kwame Antwi, and Akonta Mining Limited facing charges under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
Video footage from GHOne TV and Starr FM captured Wontumi departing the Law Court Complex with his legal team, appearing relieved after the brief detention scare. Appiah-Kubi, in a post-hearing interview, attributed the delay to a “miscommunication” on timing, assuring the court of compliance.
The case stems from allegations of unauthorized gold concession assignments, part of broader probes into mining irregularities under the NPP administration.
