Court To Hear Chairman Wontumi’s Bail Application Today

The Accra High Court is scheduled to hear the bail application filed by former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, today, Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Mr. Boasiako is seeking bail pending the determination of his appeal against his conviction and 20-year prison sentence for illegal mining-related offences involving a concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.

The bail application was filed in August 2026, shortly after his conviction by the Accra High Court.

The matter was initially listed for hearing on August 19, 2026, but could not be heard after Chairman Wontumi and his lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, failed to appear in court. The court clerk later informed parties that the presiding judge would not be available for the remainder of that week, leading to the adjournment of the case to today.

At today’s sitting, the defence is expected to present arguments as to why Chairman Wontumi should be granted bail while his appeal is pending.

However, the Attorney-General is opposing the application, arguing that the former NPP regional chairman is a flight risk and should remain in custody.

The court is expected to consider submissions from both the defence and the prosecution before deciding whether to grant the bail application.