The legal battle surrounding Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has taken another dramatic turn after Ghana’s Attorney-General moved to block his attempt to secure bail while challenging his 20-year prison sentence.

In court documents filed on Tuesday, August 11, the Attorney-General argued that Wontumi’s appeal “has no reasonable chance of success” and does not present the special or exceptional circumstances required to justify releasing him on bail while the appeal is pending.

Wontumi, a prominent New Patriotic Party figure, was sentenced on July 20, 2026, after the Accra High Court convicted him of offences connected to illegal mining operations at the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay imposed a 20-year custodial sentence, with the terms running concurrently.

The case also involved Akonta Mining Company Limited, a company in which Wontumi is a shareholder and director. The court imposed financial penalties on Wontumi and the company following the conviction.

But Wontumi is fighting back.

His lawyers have appealed both the conviction and sentence, arguing that the trial contained serious errors of law and raised substantial constitutional questions. They maintain that their client’s appeal has strong prospects of succeeding and have asked the court to grant him bail while the appellate process continues.

The Attorney-General strongly disagrees.

Beyond questioning the strength of the appeal, the State has also described Wontumi as a significant flight risk, arguing that other criminal proceedings against him could increase the possibility of him attempting to avoid the legal process. The prosecution has therefore urged the High Court to dismiss his bail application.

Wontumi’s lawyers, however, insist he previously respected his bail conditions, attended court when required and has deep family, business and community ties in Ghana.

The bail application is scheduled to be heard on August 19, 2026.

With the Attorney-General now openly challenging the strength of Wontumi’s appeal, the courtroom battle is shaping up to become another major political and legal showdown.