Wontumi Seeks Bail Pending Appeal Against 20-Year Prison Sentence
Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has filed an application at the Accra High Court seeking bail pending the hearing and determination of his appeal against his conviction and 20-year prison sentence.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), through his lawyers, Zoe, Akyea and Co., is asking the court to release him temporarily while the Court of Appeal considers his challenge to the conviction and sentence.
The application, filed on August 6, 2026, has been scheduled for hearing on August 19, 2026.
Wontumi was convicted on July 20, 2026, after the court found him guilty of assigning mineral concessions belonging to Akonta Mining to a third party without the prior approval of the Minister, contrary to provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act.
In addition to the 20-year custodial sentence, the trial judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, imposed a fine of GH¢120,000 on Wontumi and GH¢180,000 on Akonta Mining, bringing the total financial penalty to GH¢300,000.
Dissatisfied with the judgment, Wontumi, through his lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, has lodged an appeal challenging both his conviction and sentence.
In the bail application, the defence is asking the court to admit Wontumi, who is currently incarcerated at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, to bail pending the determination of the appeal.
“Take Notice that this Honourable Court will be moved by Counsel for and on behalf of the 1st Appellant/Applicant herein praying the Court for an order that the Applicant, who is currently incarcerated at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, be admitted to bail pending appeal upon the grounds stated in the accompanying affidavit and for any further orders as this Honourable Court may deem meet,” the application states.
In an affidavit supporting the application, the defence argues that the appeal raises substantial and arguable questions of law and fact and has strong prospects of success.
“It is apparent on the face of the record that the whole trial was wrong in law and the appeal raises substantial, serious and arguable questions of law and fact with overwhelming prospects of success,” the affidavit states.
The lawyers further contend that the conviction resulted from “grave errors of law” which substantially affected the outcome of the trial, adding that the appeal raises several exceptional circumstances that warrant the court exercising its discretion in Wontumi’s favour.
According to the defence, the trial court failed to properly consider Sections 13 and 46 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which they argue contain provisions that exonerate both Wontumi and Akonta Mining.
The lawyers also challenge the attribution of criminal liability to Wontumi personally, arguing that the judgment failed to properly recognise the separate legal personality of Akonta Mining as a company.
The defence is also relying on Wontumi’s conduct throughout the trial as a basis for the bail request.
The lawyers state that he complied fully with all bail conditions, attended every court sitting and neither attempted to abscond nor interfered with witnesses or obstructed the administration of justice.
“The Applicant is not a flight risk. He is a responsible and law-abiding individual with deep-rooted ties to this jurisdiction, including family, business, professional, and community obligations,” the affidavit states.
It adds that Wontumi “has no intention whatsoever of evading the due process of the law” and remains prepared to submit himself to the authority and jurisdiction of the court whenever required.
The defence further argues that keeping Wontumi in custody could undermine his ability to effectively consult with his lawyers and prepare his appeal.
According to the lawyers, credible sureties are also available to guarantee his attendance in court should bail be granted.
Although acknowledging that Wontumi is currently facing two other criminal trials, the defence maintains that his release on bail would not prejudice the prosecution.
The lawyers argue that continued incarceration could cause irreversible harm to Wontumi while he pursues what they describe as a meritorious appeal.
The High Court is expected to hear the bail application on August 19, 2026.
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