Chairman Wontumi Rearrested: Video of NPP Chairman in Handcuffs Stirs Reactions Online
- NPP politician Chairman Wontumi has been rearrested after pleading not guilty to six illegal mining charges at the Accra High Court
- A video captured him in handcuffs as CID officers led him away, sending a defiant message to President John Mahama, whom he blames
- The video of Chairman Wontumi in handcuffs stirred reactions on social media, with many happy at politicians being held accountable
- In an interview with YEN.com.gh, journalist Emmanuel Frimpong addressed Wontumi's ongoing prosecution in the context of the NDC government's fight against galamsey
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been rearrested after appearing before the Accra High Court.
Source: Instagram
A video showing the popular politician in handcuffs has emerged on social media. It showed him being led away by officers of the Police Criminal Investigative Department (CID) with his hands cuffed to another individual.
Wontumi appears in court over mining charges
Chairman Wontumi appeared before the High Court in Accra and pleaded not guilty to six charges linked to illegal mining filed by Attorney General Dominic Ayine.
The charges stemmed from a 2024 anti-galamsey operation in Samreboi that led to arrests and equipment seizures.
According to reports, his rearrest is tied to a second illegal mining case.
Wontumi and seven others were charged with two counts of mining without a license, abetting the unauthorised felling of trees and abetting the unauthorised construction of buildings in a forest reserve.
The controversial politician pleaded not guilty and was granted GH₵10 million bail with two sureties, but is expected to remain in custody while his lawyers work to meet the conditions.
Chairman Wontumi looked defeated after his arrest, but was later shown in a defiant mood as he vowed to fight until the bitter end.
Below is an Instagram video showing Chairman Wontumi in handcuffs.
Chairman Wontumi's lawyer speaks about bail
Following his arrest, Chairman Wontumi's lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, addressed the media and said they expected to meet his bail conditions shortly.
He said they were working around the clock to secure all the necessary documents and authenticate them with authorities to ensure the release of his client.
On May 28, Chairman Wontumi was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and spent a week in custody until he fulfilled all conditions of his GH₵50 million bail.
Below is a Twitter video of Wontumi's lawyer speaking about his bail.
Reactions to Chairman Wontumi in handcuffs
YEN.com.gh compiled some comments from Ghanaians reacting to the video showing Wontumi in handcuffs.
naameeley_88 wrote:
"Chale the elephant is a winning symbol ooo😂😂😂😂yooooooo maybe you people have forgotten 😂."
qwesi_yung said:
"See this funny man, you do bad things and want to act like an innocent one who the government wants to frame you because you belong to another political party."
nanakwakuwhyte commented:
"Abronyɛ loading soon 🔜 😂😂😂😂😂."
ADANTEY✨⚡️🤭 said:
"Mahama has nothing to do with this. The law is the law."
albertaantwi90 wrote:
"NPP had their chance to enforce the law but they didn't utilise it well. I'm in love with this current Government. Even though I'm NPP but NDC all the way 🔥."
Jnr.Miney commented:
"I support NDC but the disgrace to these people is too much. Can’t they arrest him without putting hand cuffs on him? 😫"
Journalist reacts to Wontumi's arrest
In an interview with YEN.com.gh, journalist Emmanuel Frimpong said that despite the arrest of Chairman Wontumi and other cosmetic measures, the NDC government's fight against galamsey has remained largely ineffective.
"The Mahama administration’s performance in the fight against galamsey can best be described as moderate but largely ineffective. While there are visible efforts, such as the formation of NAIMOS and some military operations to clamp down on illegal miners, this approach has proven to lack consistency, coordination, and strong political will. Enforcement is often reactive rather than sustained, and the networks behind galamsey have proven stronger and well-organised than anticipated," he said.
Source: TikTok
Chairman Wontumi all smiles at CID headquarters
Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that Chairman Wontumi flashed wide smiles as he appeared at the Police CID headquarters in Accra on October 6, 2025.
The politician reappeared before the police following a stern warning from Attorney General Dominic Ayine to honour an invitation or be arrested.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
