The Attorney General of Ghana has filed an affidavit opposing the bail application submitted by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, who is seeking bail pending the determination of his appeal.
In a 13-paragraph affidavit, the Attorney General argues that Wontumi’s appeal does not demonstrate a reasonable prospect of success. The state also maintains that the accused has not presented any special circumstances that would justify granting bail while his appeal is pending.
Wontumi’s Bail Hearing Set for August 19
The bail application is scheduled to be heard at the Accra High Court on August 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
Wontumi, who serves as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), filed his application for bail pending appeal on August 5, 2026.
The application was filed by his legal team, led by lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea of Zoe, Akyea & Co., under Section 96(1) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) and Section 33(1) of the Courts Act, 1993 (Act 459).
Copies of the bail application have been served on the Attorney General, who is the respondent, as well as the Nsawam Medium Prisons.
Wontumi Serving 20-Year Sentence
The bail application follows a 20-year sentence with hard labour imposed on Wontumi on July 20, 2026, over his alleged involvement in illegal mining activities at Sambreboi.
Wontumi is now seeking to secure his release from custody while his appeal against the conviction and sentence is being considered by the court.
The upcoming hearing on August 19 is expected to determine whether the court will grant the bail application or uphold the state’s opposition.
The case continues to attract significant public attention amid Ghana’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and strengthen enforcement of the country’s environmental and mining laws.
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Source: newsthemegh.com