The High Court in Accra has set November 4, 2026, to rule on a bail application filed by Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as he seeks release pending an appeal against his 20-year prison sentence in the Samreboi illegal mining case.
Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tey fixed the date on Thursday, October 15, 2026, after listening to arguments from both the defence and the prosecution.
Lead counsel for the convicted former Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Samuel Atta Akyea, told the court that the appeal had strong prospects of success, citing 19 grounds, including questions over the interpretation of the Minerals and Mining Act and how accomplice evidence was handled at trial.
He contended that the trial judge did not properly consider the relevant provisions of the Act as a whole.
Mr Atta Akyea also argued that releasing his client on bail would allow him to help prepare his appeal and defend himself in another criminal case. He dismissed suggestions that Antwi-Boasiako might flee, pointing out that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) still holds his passport.
He added that his client had faithfully complied with his bail conditions throughout the trial and was committed to remaining in Ghana to pursue his appeal.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai opposed the application, telling the court that bail pending appeal is not granted lightly and that the applicant had not shown exceptional circumstances to warrant his release.
He distinguished the case from Fynn v The Republic, which the defence relied on, noting that the circumstances there, including shorter sentences and delays in preparing appeal records, were not present here, where the applicant faces a 20-year term.
Dr Srem-Sai further argued that Antwi-Boasiako’s pending trials in two other criminal cases increased the likelihood that he could abscond if granted bail, since those cases could attract additional prison time.
He urged the court to dismiss the application.
After hearing both sides, the court adjourned the matter to November 4, 2026, when it will deliver its ruling on whether Wontumi should be released on bail while his appeal is heard.
