Chairman Wontumi returned to Nsawam as court adjourns bail ruling to November 4

Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been returned to the Nsawam Medium Security Prison after the High Court in Accra adjourned its ruling on his bail application to November 4.

The court heard arguments from Wontumi’s lawyers and the Republic, which is opposing his application for bail pending appeal against his conviction and 20-year prison sentence.

Wontumi is seeking temporary release while he challenges his conviction and sentence on illegal mining-related offences connected to the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.

On July 20, the Accra High Court sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment after convicting him on six counts under the Minerals and Mining Act.

The court also imposed a fine of GH¢120,000.

His legal team filed the bail application in August as part of efforts to secure his release while the appeal is pending.

The application was initially scheduled for hearing on August 19 but was adjourned to October 15 after the judge was unavailable.

The Attorney-General has opposed the application, arguing that Wontumi poses a flight risk.

The court is expected to determine whether he should be granted bail while the appeal process continues.

The November 4 ruling will determine whether Wontumi will remain in prison while pursuing his appeal or will be released on bail pending the outcome of the legal process.