Lawyers representing Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, have filed an application at the High Court seeking his release on bail while his appeal against a 20-year prison sentence is being heard.
The application, submitted by his legal representatives, Zoe, Akyea and Co., asks the court to grant temporary bail pending the determination of an appeal challenging both his conviction and sentence over illegal mining activities at Samreboi.
According to court documents, the legal team argues that Wontumi should not remain in custody while the appellate process is underway. He is currently serving his sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
In the motion before the High Court, the lawyers requested an order admitting their client to bail, relying on grounds outlined in a supporting affidavit.
The application states:
“Take Notice that this Honourable Court will be moved by Counsel for and on behalf of the 1st Appellant/Applicant (‘Applicant’) herein praying the Court for an order that the Applicant, who is currently incarcerated at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons, be admitted to bail pending appeal upon the grounds stated in the accompanying affidavit and for any further order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem meet.”
The filing represents the latest legal step taken by Wontumi’s defence team following his conviction. If the application is granted, he will be released from prison under bail conditions while the Court of Appeal considers the merits of his appeal.
The High Court is expected to examine whether the applicant has met the legal threshold for bail pending appeal before deciding.
Chairman Wontumi was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment after being convicted of engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, at Samreboi. The case has drawn widespread public and political interest, making it one of Ghana’s most closely watched prosecutions involving illegal mining in recent years.
The outcome of the bail application will determine whether the NPP regional chairman remains in custody during the appeal process or is temporarily released until the appellate court delivers its final judgment.
