Court to Rule on Wontumi’s Bail Pending Appeal Application on November 4

The High Court in Accra has adjourned its decision on former Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako's, known as Chairman Wontumi, bail application until November 4, 2026. Wontumi is appealing his conviction and 20-year prison sentence. His legal team argued that the grounds of appeal had a significant chance of success and that temporary freedom would enable him to prepare and present the appeal.

However, the Deputy Attorney-General opposed the application, stating that the defense had not provided any exceptional circumstances to justify bail pending appeal. The defense presented 19 grounds of appeal, citing the Court of Appeal case of Daniel Yaw and Two Others v The Republic, which recognized the prospects of an appeal succeeding as a relevant consideration in determining bail applications.

They also argued that granting bail would allow Wontumi to work closely with his counsel in preparing and conducting the appeal. The Deputy Attorney-General contested the defense's arguments, citing Fynn and Another v The Republic, which stated that an applicant must demonstrate exceptional circumstances beyond mere dissatisfaction with a conviction.

They claimed that Wontumi's grounds of appeal were not substantial and similar to common grounds raised by convicted individuals challenging their convictions. The Deputy Attorney-General also pointed out that Wontumi faced additional criminal cases and that his temporary release could lead to him being released only to return to prison if the appeal failed.