Who Is Chairman Wontumi? Biography of Bernard Antwi Boasiako – Politician, Businessman, and Media Mogul

Popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, Bernard Antwi Boasiako is a media owner, politician, and businessman from Ghana. Having held this post since 2014, he is Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He is a notable person in Ghanaian politics because of his dynamic leadership and candid attitude.

Early Childhood and Education

Born in Kumasi, the capital of Ghana's Ashanti Region, on May 1, 1976, Chairman Wontumi comes from a humble background. Attending the esteemed secondary school Prempeh College in Kumasi, he finished his studies in 1996. Later on, he enrolled in a six-month Bible course in the US and worked in the UK in positions ranging from cleaner to bouncer, security guard, and gym instructor.

Read Also: Mahama Confirms Nursing Trainee Allowance to Be Paid Retroactively from January 2025

Business Ventures

Chairman Wontumi entered the import industry when he got back to Ghana, selling items to big Kumasi department stores. Having setbacks, he entered the mining industry and founded a small-scale mining company.

At times earning up to a million dollars in a day, he claims to have made major gains from his mining activities. Since then, his commercial interests have encompassed media, private security, farming, and road building. Owning Wontumi Communications, he runs Wontumi Radio and Wontumi TV in Accra and Kumasi.

Political Career

Chairman Wontumi started his political career actively participating in the NPP. 2014 saw him elected as the Ashanti Regional Chairman thanks to his capacity to organize resources and interact with local activists. Since then, he has been re-elected twice, most recently in May 2022, where he obtained 464 votes against the 306 of his closest rival. His term has been distinguished by active campaigning and a strong defense of party policies.

Personal Life

Chairman Wontumi is wed to Michylina Antwi Boasiako. He is well-known for his extravagant way of life and collection of luxury vehicles—including a Ferrari, Rolls Royce, and Benz G-Wagon—and he built his first house at age 22 and claims to own more than 100 homes in Kumasi alone. Chairman Wontumi is married to Michylina Antwi Bosiako.

Public Image and Conflicts

Chairman Wontumi, who is known for his candor, has been in several hot issues. The Kumasi Traditional Council called him in 2024 over allegedly offensive comments about the Asantehene. He was declared not guilty after much thought but advised to be careful with his words. 

Also Read: NPP MPs Fight EOCO Over Arrest of Chairman Wontumi

He made news in 2022, showing interest in buying Chelsea, an English football team valued at £3 billion, which attracted criticism as well as doubt.

In May 2025, Chairman Wontumi became involved in a major legal controversy. After reporting to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for questioning on May 26 regarding alleged illegal mining activities, he was arrested by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO). 

The EOCO's investigation encompasses serious allegations, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. Authorities are also exploring potential links to international organized crime networks.

History and Influence

The impact of Chairman Wontumi goes beyond politics into media and business. For the NPP, his leadership in the Ashanti Region has been absolutely vital; his media outlets now serve as major venues for political debate in Ghana. Notwithstanding controversies, his capacity to appeal to the general people and his entrepreneurial success keep him a powerful presence in Ghanaian public life.