High Court to hear Wontumi's bail pending appeal today

Lawyers for former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have filed an application seeking his release on bail pending the determination of his appeal against a 20-year prison sentence.

The application, filed by his lawyers, Zoe, Akyea & Co., on August 6, 2026, argues that Mr Boasiako has already lodged a notice of appeal challenging both his conviction and the sentence imposed by the High Court.

The bail application is expected to be heard by the High Court in Accra today, Wednesday, August 19, as the former NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman seeks temporary freedom while the appellate process is ongoing.

Background to Wontumi’s conviction

Chairman Wontumi is currently serving a 20-year custodial sentence following his conviction in connection with illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region.

The case centred on illegal mining operations carried out at a mining concession linked to Mr Boasiako. Following proceedings before the High Court, he was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

His lawyers subsequently initiated the appeal process, challenging the basis of his conviction as well as the severity of the sentence imposed by the court.

The latest bail application is therefore intended to secure his release while the Court of Appeal considers his challenge to the judgment.

The High Court is expected to consider arguments from both sides before deciding whether to grant bail pending the determination of the appeal.

A decision on the application could determine whether Chairman Wontumi remains in custody throughout the appeal process or is allowed to return home subject to conditions set by the court.