Court to hear Wontumi’s bail application today

The Accra High Court is set to hear an application for bail on Thursday, October 15, 2026, for former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi. His legal team is requesting his release while he appeals his conviction and 20-year prison sentence for illegal mining-related offenses associated with a concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.

The initial hearing was planned for August 19, but it was postponed due to both Mr Boasiako and his lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, failing to show up in court. The court clerk then informed them that the presiding judge was unavailable for the rest of that week, leading to the rescheduling of the hearing for today.

If granted bail, the defence team will have the opportunity to formally present arguments in support of his release pending the determination of his appeal. The application was initially filed in August as part of efforts to secure Mr Boasiako's release while the appellate process continues. However, the Attorney-General has contested the request, arguing that the former NPP regional chairman represents a flight risk.

The court is expected to weigh the arguments from both sides in order to decide whether to grant bail before the conclusion of his appeal.