A-G opposes Wontumi’s bail application pending appeal
The Attorney-General (A-G) has filed processes opposing an application by convicted illegal mining kingpin Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, seeking bail pending the determination of his appeal. The State is arguing that Mr Boasiako’s intended appeal has no reasonable prospect of success and, therefore, does not provide sufficient grounds for his release from custody.
State Says No Special Circumstances Exist
In its opposition, the Attorney-General maintained that there are no special circumstances warranting the admission of Mr Boasiako to bail while his appeal is pending. The State is expected to urge the court to reject the application and allow Mr Boasiako to remain in custody until the appellate process is concluded. The latest development comes after Mr Boasiako filed an application seeking his release from custody following his conviction and sentencing by the Accra High Court.
Wontumi Sentenced to 20 Years
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, on July 20, 2026, sentenced Mr Boasiako to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour after finding him guilty of offences linked to illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region. He was convicted of offences including assigning mineral rights without the required approval and facilitating unlicensed mining. The court also imposed a fine on Akonta Mining Company Limited, in which Mr Boasiako is a shareholder and director.
Mining Equipment, Firearms and Cash Confiscated
In addition to the prison sentence and fine, the court ordered the confiscation of mining equipment, firearms and cash seized during investigations into the case. The case followed investigations into alleged illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession. Mr Boasiako was subsequently charged alongside Akonta Mining Company Limited and another accused person.
Wontumi Appeals Conviction
Following his conviction and sentence, Mr Boasiako filed an appeal challenging the High Court’s decision.
His lawyers contend that there are legal grounds that warrant appellate review of the conviction and sentence. As part of the appeal process, the defence has also applied for bail, asking the court to release Mr Boasiako while the appeal is being determined.
Attorney-General Challenges Bail Bid
The Attorney-General, however, has rejected the basis for the bail application, insisting that the intended appeal does not have a reasonable chance of succeeding. According to the State, the mere filing of an appeal does not, in itself, justify the release of a convicted person, particularly where there are no exceptional or special circumstances to support the application. The prosecution is therefore asking the court to dismiss the bail request.
Court to Determine Wontumi’s Fate
The Attorney-General’s latest filing will now form part of the court’s consideration as it determines whether Mr Boasiako should remain in custody or be granted bail pending the outcome of his appeal. The decision is expected to determine whether the former mining company executive will continue serving his sentence at Nsawam Prison while his legal challenge proceeds through the appellate courts.
