Wontumi’s Bail Appeal Adjourned to October

The Accra High Court has adjourned proceedings in the bail application filed by convicted former Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi.

The case will now be heard on 15 October 2026 after the scheduled hearing on Wednesday, 19 August, could not proceed.

Both the applicant and his lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, were absent from court when the matter was called. Present on behalf of the party was the NPP’s Director of Legal Affairs, Gary Nimako.

The court clerk informed those present that the trial judge would not be sitting this week due to personal unavailability, leading to the adjournment. Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai appeared for the state.

Background

Wontumi is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence following his conviction by the Accra High Court on charges related to illegal mining activities at a concession in Samreboi in the Western Region.

His legal team filed the bail application earlier this month, seeking his release pending the hearing of an appeal against both the conviction and the sentence.

The Attorney-General has opposed the request, arguing that the former regional chairman poses a flight risk and should remain in custody while the appeal process runs its course.

The court will now consider the application when the case resumes in October.