Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and owner of Akonta Mining, is currently facing a series of allegations and investigations involving his company, amid heightened public scrutiny.
Chairman Wontumi has often been in the headlines, not only for his political activities but also for a flamboyant lifestyle that may have compounded his recent troubles.
Here are four major instances where his actions may have contributed to his current predicament:
1. Public display of gold bars
In September 2020, Chairman Wontumi shocked many Ghanaians when he flaunted his wealth live on air during a radio discussion on his Kumasi-based Wontumi radio.
He pulled out bars of gold from a waist bag he had brought into the studio and claimed his wealth was solely from gold mining.
2. Flaunting an ultra-luxury mansion
Chairman Wontumi took to social media to show off what he described as one of the biggest palace mansions in Africa, his personal residence under construction in Kumasi.
According to multiple reports, the project includes over 25 bedrooms, a large swimming pool, and a car park to house his luxury automobiles.
He is believed to have spent over $5 million on the property.
In a video that went viral, Wontumi gave two friends a private tour of the estate and boasted that his swimming pool would be the largest in the world, second only to an Olympic-sized pool.
3. Boastful bid for Chelsea Football Club
Chairman Wontumi made international headlines when he announced a $3.1 billion bid to purchase English football giant, Chelsea FC during the club’s ownership crisis in 2022.
In a letter submitted to the club, he expressed readiness to negotiate and even promised to bring global stars like Vinicius Jr., Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi to the team.
“Those who buy clubs are not footballers but business people. I am also a businessman. I do gold mining. Why can’t we buy the club?” he argued on Wontumi TV.
Although his bid was ultimately unsuccessful, many critics viewed it as another example of showmanship.
4. Constant attacks on President Mahama
Chairman Wontumi has been a relentless critic of President John Dramani Mahama, both during opposition and presidency.
He has frequently accused the president of corruption, often referring to Mahama and corruption as “Siamese twins” in 2020.
In 2024, he further alleged that Mahama sponsored individuals to attack former President John Agyekum Kufuor in a bid to tarnish Kufuor’s legacy.
His persistent and aggressive commentary has drawn both criticism and political attention, possibly intensifying scrutiny on his own dealings.
Chairman Wontumi’s Akonta mining license has been revoked by the government, and his bank account has been frozen.
Credit: Manteaw Amos
