General News of 2026-10-15
Wontumi’s Bail Application: Court postpones ruling to November 4
The Accra High Court has set the ruling on the bail application by former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako to November 4, 2026.
His lawyers are seeking his release from custody while he appeals his conviction and 20-year prison sentence for illegal mining-related offences involving a concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.
Chairman Wontumi heads to court to seek bail from Nsawam prison custody
The application was first scheduled for hearing on August 19, 2026, but was adjourned after Wontumi and his lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, failed to appear in court.
The hearing was later rescheduled to October 15, 2026.
The Attorney General has opposed the application, arguing that Wontumi could flee if granted bail.
The court’s November 4, 2026, ruling will determine whether he can be released from custody while his appeal against the conviction and sentence is pending.
Wontumi’s lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, had earlier expressed confidence that the circumstances of the case justified granting his client bail while he challenged his conviction and sentence.
He argued that Wontumi should be allowed to return home and assist his lawyers in handling the other cases against him.
“Well, I believe that given all the factors, he should be admitted to bail. There are other cases against him, so that he can come and join counsel and to aide him to do it. The law too is on his side,” he said.
Atta Akyea also questioned why Wontumi should be held responsible for the actions of a person he had authorised to carry out reclamation work.
He argued that the person who carried out the work was an accomplice and that this should be considered in deciding whether Wontumi should be granted bail.
“I do not see how somebody holds a licence, sends somebody to go and work, to do reclamation, and if the person even does the opposite, then he suffers for that. Meanwhile, the person was an accomplice,” he argued.
The lawyer maintained that the case for bail was strong and urged the judge to allow Wontumi to remain free while his appeal is heard.
He added that granting bail would not prevent Wontumi from returning to prison if his appeal failed.
Why Wontumi should be admitted to bail - Atta Akyea makes strong argument
“So, I am of the view that this is a very, very solid case, and the judge can say, ‘Look, let this gentleman have his freedom. If he goes on appeal and he loses, he will come back to you’.
“So, these are some of the matters we want to urge upon the judge, and then I pray for bail pending appeal,” he added.
MAG/VPO
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