Why October for Wontumi’s bail application when it could have been heard in August or September? — Frank Davies

Frank Davies, the legal representative for Ofoase-Ayirebi MP Chairman Wontumi, has questioned the decision to postpone his bail application pending appeal to October 15. Davies argued that the urgent matter involving bail should have been heard during the legal vacation in August or September, rather than being delayed to October.

Vacation courts are designed to handle urgent and critical applications, including bail matters. Wontumi, serving a 20-year sentence for illegal mining offenses, has appealed his conviction and sentence, leading to the bail application. Initially scheduled for August 19, the matter was adjourned due to Wontumi and his counsel's absence from court.

The court then rescheduled it to October 15. Davies questioned why the case could not be heard earlier, suggesting August 19 as the date, and why it was moved to a later date. He expressed concern over the scheduling of urgent applications during the vacation period and raised questions about equal treatment for all accused persons.

Davies emphasized that criminal trials during vacation generally proceed with the consent of the parties and their lawyers, and that the handling of cases should prioritize urgent judicial attention.