The High Court in Kumasi has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following his failure to appear before the court on Tuesday.
Chairman Wontumi, who serves as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was expected to attend proceedings related to a contempt case filed against him. His absence prompted the presiding judge to issue the warrant to compel his appearance.
The contempt case stems from an ongoing dispute involving the alleged unlawful reclamation of a parcel of land, which is currently the subject of litigation. The court had previously directed all parties to refrain from any activity on the land until the matter was resolved.
Chairman Wontumi’s legal team had earlier filed an application seeking to dismiss the contempt charges, but the court insisted on his personal appearance to address the matter.
The bench warrant means law enforcement authorities are now mandated to arrest and present him before the court. The case has been adjourned pending further developments.
This latest development adds to the growing legal scrutiny surrounding the regional party chairman, whose political influence in the Ashanti Region remains significant.