Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has applied to the High Court for bail pending the hearing of his appeal against his conviction and 20-year prison sentence.
The application, filed on August 5 by his lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, states that the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is currently serving his sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison. It was filed under Section 96(1) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) and Section 33(1) of the Courts Act, 1993 (Act 459).
The motion is scheduled to be heard by the High Court, Criminal Division 4, in Accra on August 19, 2026. The Attorney-General and the Director of the Nsawam Medium Security Prison have been served with copies of the application.
Wontumi was convicted alongside Akonta Mining Company Limited over illegal mining activities on the company’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region. Prosecutors said the accused unlawfully assigned mineral rights without ministerial approval and facilitated mining operations without the required authorisation, in breach of the Minerals and Mining Act.
The High Court will determine whether Wontumi should be granted bail while his appeal against the conviction is pending.