The legal battle surrounding Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has taken another dramatic turn after the hearing of his application for bail pending appeal was adjourned to October 15, 2026.
The Accra High Court was expected to consider Wontumi’s request for temporary release on Wednesday, August 19, as he challenges his conviction and 20-year prison sentence. However, the application was not heard, leaving the prominent New Patriotic Party figure behind bars for now.
Wontumi was convicted by the High Court on July 20 over illegal mining-related offences connected to operations at the Samreboi concession involving Akonta Mining Limited. He received 20 years’ imprisonment on each of two counts, with the sentences running concurrently, and was also fined 10,000 penalty units on each count.
His lawyers have since appealed the conviction and sentence and are asking the court to grant him bail while the Court of Appeal considers the case.
The Attorney-General’s office, however, has opposed the application. In an affidavit filed ahead of the hearing, the state argued that Wontumi’s grounds of appeal do not demonstrate a reasonable chance of success and also raised concerns about whether he would remain within the jurisdiction if released.
Reports on the immediate reason Wednesday’s hearing could not proceed differ slightly. Some outlets reported that Wontumi and his lawyers did not appear, while Citi Newsroom reported that the court clerk indicated the trial judge was unavailable. What is clear is that the application has now been pushed to October 15.
The latest adjournment means Wontumi’s attempt to regain his freedom while pursuing his appeal has suffered a significant delay.
With his conviction already generating fierce political debate within Ghana, attention will now turn to October 15, when the court is expected to revisit the high-stakes bail application.
Until then, Chairman Wontumi remains in custody as his legal team continues the fight to overturn his conviction and sentence.
