The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, has filed a motion seeking bail pending appeal against his 20-year prison sentence.
Boasiako filed the motion on notice at the Accra High Court, challenging his conviction and sentence for facilitating illegal mining activities on a Samreboi concession in the Western Region.
Court documents indicate that the application is expected to be heard on August 19, 2026.
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On July 20, 2026, the High Court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, convicted and sentenced Wontumi to 20 years’ imprisonment in hard labour.
The sentence followed his conviction for facilitating illegal mining activities on a concession operated by Akonta Mining Company Limited in Samreboi, Western Region.
Through his lawyers, Wontumi argues that the trial was fundamentally flawed in law and that substantial legal and constitutional issues remain to be determined on appeal.
His lawyers contend that the appeal raises genuine and substantial questions concerning the interpretation of Article 19(1) of the 1992 Constitution.
They are also challenging the constitutionality of Sections 14(1), 59 and 99(2) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which they argue constitute penal provisions.
According to the motion, Wontumi’s appeal raises questions that, in the view of his lawyers, fall within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
The application argues that the trial judge allegedly usurped the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in dealing with the constitutional questions, contrary to Article 132(2) of the Constitution.
Wontumi’s lawyers further challenge the trial court’s attribution of criminal liability to him despite the separate legal personality of Akonta Mining Company Limited.
The application states that the appeal challenges the trial judge’s decision to attribute criminal responsibility to Wontumi notwithstanding the company’s status as a separate legal entity.
In support of his application for bail pending appeal, Wontumi says he is not a flight risk and describes himself as a responsible and law-abiding individual with deep-rooted ties within Ghana.
He told the court that he has extensive business, family, professional and community ties within the jurisdiction.
He also cited his fixed place of abode in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region as further evidence that he would remain within the jurisdiction if granted bail.
Wontumi further argues that granting him bail would enable him to work more effectively with his lawyers as he prepares to pursue the appeal.
According to him, his current circumstances have frustrated effective lawyer-client engagement and consultation.
He believes that being granted bail would allow him to consult and confer with his legal team more effectively in preparation for the appeal.
The NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman has assured the court that he would not interfere with the administration of justice if granted bail.
He has also indicated his willingness to comply with any conditions the court may impose.
Wontumi further argues that the State would suffer no prejudice should the court admit him to bail pending the determination of his appeal.
The Accra High Court is expected to hear the Wontumi bail application on August 19, 2026.