Chairman Wontumi’s bail ppplication: High Court sets November 4 for ruling

The High Court in Accra has fixed November 4, 2026, to determine whether former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, should be granted bail while appealing his 20-year prison sentence.

The decision to adjourn followed arguments from his lawyers and the prosecution over whether sufficient grounds had been established to justify his temporary release from prison.

Wontumi is currently serving a 20-year custodial sentence after being convicted in July 2026 of offences relating to unauthorised mining activities on a concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.

He has since challenged the conviction and sentence at the Court of Appeal and is seeking bail pending the determination of that appeal. (Ghana News Agency)

Defence argues Wontumi is not a flight risk

Appearing before Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay on Thursday, October 15, lead counsel for Wontumi, Samuel Atta Akyea, urged the court to grant his client bail, maintaining that the circumstances justified his release.

He argued that Wontumi needed to be available to assist his legal team in preparing the appeal and to participate effectively in two other criminal proceedings pending against him.

The lawyer further submitted that his client's conduct before his conviction demonstrated his willingness to comply with court directives.

According to him, Wontumi had previously honoured his bail conditions and had given no indication that he would evade justice if released.

Mr Atta Akyea also drew the court's attention to the 19 grounds of appeal filed against the conviction, arguing that they raised substantial issues with reasonable prospects of success.

He consequently maintained that keeping his client in custody while the appeal was being pursued was unnecessary.

State opposes bail, raises concerns over possible escape

However, the Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, opposed the application, insisting that the defence had failed to establish exceptional circumstances warranting bail pending appeal.

He argued that the grounds advanced by Wontumi's lawyers were not substantially different from those ordinarily raised by convicted persons challenging their sentences.

Dr Srem-Sai further disputed the suggestion that Wontumi's previous compliance with bail conditions was sufficient assurance that he would remain available to stand trial if released.

According to the prosecution, the circumstances had changed following his conviction and imprisonment.

The Deputy Attorney-General submitted that Wontumi's involvement in two other criminal cases, which could potentially result in additional prison sentences, presented a reason for the court to carefully consider the possibility of him absconding.

He also referred to a video involving Wontumi's former lawyer, who allegedly discussed a plan by the convict to drive through law enforcement officers to avoid arrest.

The prosecution relied on the alleged remarks to support its contention that granting bail could pose a risk to the administration of justice.

Court questions progress of appeal

During the proceedings, Justice Kocuvie-Tay, who presided over Wontumi's trial and delivered the conviction in July, sought clarification on the steps taken to pursue the appeal.

Responding, Mr Atta Akyea informed the court that arrangements were underway to compile the records of proceedings for transmission to the Court of Appeal.

After considering submissions from both sides, the judge adjourned the matter to November 4, 2026, for a ruling on the application.

The pending decision will determine whether Wontumi can be released on bail while pursuing his appeal against the conviction and sentence.

Until the court determines otherwise, the 20-year prison sentence remains in force.