New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has filed an application at the High Court seeking bail pending appeal following his 20-year prison sentence for illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
The latest legal move comes as Wontumi challenges his conviction and asks the court to grant him temporary release while the Court of Appeal considers his appeal.
Wontumi Files Bail Pending Appeal Application
The application, submitted by his legal representatives, Zoe, Akyea and Co., requests that the High Court admit Chairman Wontumi to bail while the appellate process is ongoing.
According to the court filing, the application is supported by an affidavit outlining the legal grounds for granting bail pending appeal.
His lawyers are seeking an order allowing the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman to be released from custody until the Court of Appeal delivers its final judgment on the case.
Currently Serving 20-Year Prison Sentence
Chairman Wontumi is currently serving a 20-year jail term after being convicted for engaging in illegal mining activities (galamsey) at Samreboi.
He is being held at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, where he remains incarcerated as the appeal process continues.
The legal motion states that the applicant should be granted bail pending appeal while the court reviews the merits of his case.
High Court to Decide on Bail Request
The High Court is expected to hear the application and determine whether Chairman Wontumi has met the legal requirements for bail pending appeal.
If the application is approved, the NPP regional chairman will be temporarily released from prison while awaiting the outcome of his appeal before the Court of Appeal.
Illegal Mining Case Draws National Attention
Chairman Wontumi’s conviction over illegal mining in Ghana has generated widespread political and public interest, making it one of the country’s most high-profile galamsey prosecution cases in recent years.
The outcome of the bail application and subsequent appeal is expected to be closely monitored, given the broader national focus on combating illegal mining and enforcing environmental protection laws in Ghana.
Bail Application Below:
Source: newsthemegh.com