Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay of the High Court has adjourned to November 4, 2026, the delivery of her ruling on a bail application filed by former Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, who is seeking temporary release pending the outcome of his appeal.
The adjournment follows arguments presented by Chairman Wontumi’s legal team, led by Samuel Atta Akyea, and Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, who represented the state during the hearing.
Chairman Wontumi is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted for permitting mining activities on his Samreboi concession without the required approval from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. He is appealing the conviction and sentence and is requesting bail to prepare his appeal and participate in two other ongoing criminal cases.
At Thursday’s hearing, Atta Akyea argued that Wontumi’s temporary release was necessary for his effective participation in the appeal process and other legal matters, stressing that Wontumi had previously complied with bail conditions and was not a flight risk. He further pointed to 19 grounds of appeal with a reasonable chance of success as justification for granting bail.
In response, Dr. Srem-Sai opposed the application, asserting that the appeal grounds were not exceptional and that established case law required more than ordinary grounds to justify bail pending appeal. He also raised concerns that the possibility of additional consecutive prison terms might incentivize Wontumi to abscond if released. Dr. Srem-Sai referenced a video allegedly showing Wontumi’s former counsel discussing a plan to evade law enforcement, using it to support the state’s argument against bail.
Justice Kocuvie-Tay, who had presided over Wontumi’s conviction and sentencing in July, questioned Atta Akyea about the progress of the appeal, to which he replied that steps were being taken to compile the records for the Court of Appeal.
The court will deliver its ruling on the bail application on November 4, 2026.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com