The High Court in Accra has fixed November 4, 2026, to rule on an application for bail pending appeal filed by the former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. The court set the date after hearing arguments from both parties on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the High Court in Accra.
The application is presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tey, who is also the trial judge that sentenced him. Chairman Wontumi is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence at Nsawam Medium Security Prison following his conviction for facilitating illegal mining on a concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.
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Moving the application, counsel for Chairman Wontumi, Samuel Atta Akyea, argued that the appeal has substantial prospects of success with 19 grounds of appeal filed. He told the court that the trial judge failed to read the Minerals and Mining Act as a whole and that his client should be granted bail to assist in preparing his appeal and to participate in two other criminal trials pending against him.
Atta Akyea further argued that Chairman Wontumi is not a flight risk, noting that his passport is still in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and that he complied with all bail conditions throughout the trial. He assured the court that his client will return to prison if the appeal fails and that the defence is anxious to have the appeal heard.
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Opposing the application, Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai argued that bail pending appeal should not be granted lightly and that Chairman Wontumi has failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances. He said the 20-year sentence, two other criminal cases pending against him, and a bench warrant issued during trial raise concerns that he could abscond if released.
Chairman Wontumi was sentenced on July 20, 2026, after being found guilty on six counts of assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval and facilitating unlicensed mining by Akonta Mining Company Limited at Samreboi. He was fined GH¢120,000 in addition to the 20 years. Following Thursday’s hearing, he was returned to Nsawam Medium Security Prison to await the November 4 ruling which will determine whether he remains in custody during appeal.
*Sources used:*
– http://Graphic.com.gh & GNA confirm Nov 4 ruling, Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tey, Samuel Atta Akyea vs Dr Justice Srem-Sai
– Conviction details 20-year Samreboi illegal mining
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