The legal representatives of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), commonly referred to as Chairman Wontumi, have submitted a bail application to the High Court. This request is made in anticipation of the hearing and resolution of his appeal against his conviction and sentence.
The application, presented by his attorneys, Zoe, Akyea and Co., seeks the court’s approval for Wontumi’s temporary release from custody while the Court of Appeal reviews his case.
Currently, Chairman Wontumi is serving a 20-year prison sentence due to his conviction related to illegal mining activities in Samreboi. His legal team contends that he should be granted bail during the ongoing appellate process.
In the motion submitted to the High Court, the lawyers are requesting an order admitting their client to bail pending the outcome of the appeal, asserting that the application is supported by the grounds detailed in an accompanying affidavit.
The court filing states: “Take Notice that this Honourable Court will be moved by Counsel for and on behalf of the 1st Appellant/Applicant (‘Applicant’) herein praying the Court for an order that the Applicant, who is currently incarcerated at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons, be admitted to bail pending appeal upon the grounds stated in the accompanying affidavit and for any further order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem meet.”
This application represents the most recent legal attempt by Wontumi’s attorneys to obtain his temporary release following his conviction. If bail is granted, it would allow the NPP regional chairman to remain outside prison while his appeal is considered by the Court of Appeal.
The High Court is anticipated to review the application and decide whether the applicant has met the legal criteria for bail pending appeal.
Chairman Wontumi received a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted of participating in illegal mining, known as galamsey, in Samreboi. His conviction has garnered considerable public and political interest, making this case one of the most prominent prosecutions related to illegal mining in recent years.
