The Accra High Court is expected to deliver its ruling on the bail application filed by former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, on November 4, 2026. Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay set the date after listening to arguments from Wontumi’s legal team, led by Samuel Atta Akyea, and the state, represented by Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai.
Chairman Wontumi is seeking bail pending an appeal against his 20-year prison sentence for allowing mining operations on his Samreboi concession without the approval of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. During Thursday’s hearing, Mr Atta Akyea urged the court to grant the application, arguing that his client’s release would allow him to adequately prepare his appeal and effectively participate in two other criminal cases pending against him.
He further maintained that Wontumi was not a flight risk, pointing to his compliance with bail conditions before his conviction. The defence counsel also cited the 19 grounds of appeal filed against the conviction and sentence, arguing that they had a reasonable chance of success and provided sufficient justification for granting bail.
However, Dr Srem-Sai opposed the application, insisting that the grounds of appeal did not constitute exceptional circumstances required by law for bail pending appeal. He argued that an applicant seeking release while challenging a conviction must demonstrate exceptional circumstances, adding that Wontumi had failed to meet that threshold. Addressing concerns about the possibility of the accused absconding, the Deputy Attorney General argued that Wontumi’s conduct during the trial did not sufficiently guarantee that he would remain available to face the law if granted bail.
He also contended that the prospect of receiving additional prison sentences in the two other criminal cases could motivate Wontumi to flee rather than face further prosecution. Dr Srem-Sai also cited a video involving Wontumi’s former lawyer, who allegedly spoke about a plan by the former NPP regional chairman to run over law enforcement officers to avoid arrest, as part of the state’s argument against bail.
Justice Kocuvie-Tay, who convicted and sentenced Wontumi in July 2026, also sought an update on the progress of the appeal. Atta Akyea told the court that steps were being taken to compile the records of appeal for transmission to the Court of Appeal. The court subsequently adjourned the matter to November 4 for a ruling on Wontumi’s application for bail pending the determination of his appeal.
