Legal counsel for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, says the embattled Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) remains resolute in his denial of all charges levelled against him in the ongoing illegal mining cases.
Enoch Afoakwa, Wontumi’s lawyer, reaffirmed his client’s plea of not guilty following his release from police custody, stressing that Wontumi continues to enjoy the full protection of the law, particularly the presumption of innocence guaranteed under Ghana’s Constitution.
“When he was arraigned, he pleaded not guilty to all the several counts of allegations that have been levelled against him,” Afoakwa said in an interview on Friday October 10.
“So certainly his position has not changed. He still maintains his innocence. Once he has pleaded not guilty to the various counts that he has been charged with, his presumption of innocence under Article 19(2c) triggers — and that means he is presumed innocent until proven.”
Chairman Wontumi was released from custody after meeting bail conditions imposed by two separate High Courts in Accra in relation to charges involving Akonta Mining Company Limited. He is accused of facilitating illegal mining operations and unlawfully allocating mineral rights without ministerial approval.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay granted him bail in the first case, setting the amount at GHS15 million with three sureties, two to be justified with landed property. In a second ruling by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, Wontumi and his co-accused, Edward Akuoko, were granted bail of GHS10 million each with similar surety requirements.
Despite being granted bail on Tuesday, October 7, Wontumi remained in custody due to administrative procedures, including the verification of property documents through the Lands Commission.
Afoakwa said his client is now free and spending time with family while preparing for the next stage of the legal process. Wontumi is expected to reappear in court later this month as the trial continues.
