Bench warrant issued for Wontumi arrest

The Accra High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi.

The order was made on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, after the politician failed to appear before the court in connection with his ongoing criminal trial.

The presiding judge described his absence as unacceptable, noting that Wontumi neither sought permission nor provided any valid explanation for missing the proceedings.

Wontumi is currently standing trial over allegations linked to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.

Prosecutors argue his actions violated mining and environmental laws, contributing to the destruction of forest reserves in parts of the Ashanti Region.

This is not the first time the regional chairman has faced legal trouble.

He has been arrested twice in connection with similar offences, with the most recent case attracting widespread public attention due to his status as a politically exposed person.

The bench warrant directs law enforcement agencies to locate and present him before the court to answer the charges.

More to follow