The legal battle surrounding former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has taken another dramatic turn after the Accra High Court scheduled November 4, 2026, to decide whether he should be granted bail.
The embattled politician is fighting for temporary freedom while challenging his conviction and 20-year prison sentence over illegal mining-related offences.
The decision was announced on Thursday, October 15, following arguments between Wontumi’s legal representatives and state prosecutors over whether his circumstances justify release pending appeal.
Presiding judge Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay fixed the date after hearing submissions from both parties.
Wontumi was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of allowing mining operations on his concession at Samreboi in the Western Region without the required ministerial approval.
His legal team, led by prominent lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea, is seeking to overturn the conviction through the Court of Appeal.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Atta Akyea maintained that his client deserved bail to enable him to participate effectively in preparing his appeal and defending himself in other pending criminal cases.
The lawyer argued that the 19 grounds of appeal raised substantial legal questions that could potentially lead to a successful challenge against the conviction.
He further dismissed suggestions that Wontumi might escape if released, stressing that the former NPP regional chairman had previously complied with bail conditions.
However, Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai strongly opposed the application, insisting that the defence had failed to establish exceptional circumstances warranting bail.
The prosecution also expressed concerns that Wontumi could flee the country, particularly because he faces two additional criminal trials that could result in further imprisonment if convicted.
According to the state, granting temporary freedom under such circumstances could undermine the administration of justice.
The opposing arguments have placed the court’s upcoming decision under considerable public attention, especially given Wontumi’s political prominence and the controversy surrounding illegal mining activities in Ghana.
