LOUIS TV

The Accra High Court will announce its decision on a bail petition submitted by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), commonly referred to as Chairman Wontumi, on November 4, 2026. Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay established this date following deliberations between Wontumi's legal representatives, headed by Samuel Atta Akyea, and the prosecution, led by Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai. Chairman Wontumi is requesting bail as he pursues an appeal against his 20-year prison term for authorizing mining operations on his Samreboi concession without obtaining consent from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. During Thursday's proceedings, Mr Atta Akyea advocated for the court to approve the petition, contending that Wontumi's release would facilitate his appeal preparation and allow him to actively engage in two additional criminal proceedings. He emphasized that his client presented no flight risk, referencing his adherence to previous bail requirements prior to conviction. The defence counsel also highlighted the 19 grounds of appeal submitted against the conviction and sentence, asserting that they demonstrated reasonable likelihood of success and warranted bail approval. Conversely, Dr Srem-Sai rejected the petition, asserting that the appeal grounds were not extraordinary and fell short of the legal criteria necessary for bail pending appeal. He informed the court that an applicant must demonstrate exceptional circumstances to justify release while contesting a conviction, noting that Wontumi had not satisfied this requirement. Regarding the flight risk concern, the Deputy Attorney General maintained that Wontumi's behaviour throughout the trial was insufficient to confirm he would remain accessible to the legal system if freed. He additionally argued that the prospect of additional prison time in Wontumi's other criminal cases might incentivize him to flee. Dr Srem-Sai further referenced a video featuring Wontumi's previous legal representative, who purportedly discussed the former NPP regional chairman's alleged intention to strike law enforcement personnel to evade apprehension, which the state incorporated into its opposition to bail. Justice Kocuvie-Tay, who rendered a conviction and imposed a sentence on Wontumi in July 2026, requested a status report regarding the appeal proceedings. Atta Akyea informed the court that measures were underway to assemble the appellate records for submission to the Court of Appeal. The court then postponed proceedings until November 4, at which time Justice Kocuvie-Tay is scheduled to deliver a determination on whether Wontumi will receive bail authorization while his appeal is being adjudicated.

Tag: Accra High Court

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