Wontumi’s Appeal Has No Reasonable Chance of Success – AG Opposes Bail Application

The Attorney-General has opposed an application for bail pending appeal filed by convicted illegal mining kingpin Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, arguing that his intended appeal has no reasonable prospect of success.

In processes filed before the court, the State contends that Mr Boasiako has failed to demonstrate any exceptional or special circumstances that would justify his release from custody while his appeal is pending.

The Attorney-General argues that the grounds advanced by the convicted businessman do not provide sufficient basis for the court to exercise its discretion in his favour, insisting that the conviction and sentence imposed by the High Court remain valid pending the determination of the appeal.

The bail application follows Mr Boasiako’s conviction and sentencing by the Accra High Court over offences connected with illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.

On July 20, 2026, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay sentenced Mr Boasiako to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour after finding him guilty of offences including assigning mineral rights without the requisite 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. It further ordered the confiscation of mining equipment, firearms and cash seized in the course of investigations.

Following his conviction, Mr Boasiako filed an appeal challenging both the verdict and the sentence. His legal team is also seeking bail pending the determination of the appeal, arguing that there are grounds upon which the appellate court could overturn or review the High Court’s decision.

The Attorney-General has, however, strongly opposed the application, maintaining that the proposed appeal does not have a reasonable chance of succeeding.

The State further argues that no special circumstances have been established to warrant the grant of bail and that releasing Mr Boasiako pending appeal would therefore be unjustified.

The court will now consider the respective arguments of the defence and the prosecution before determining whether Chairman Wontumi should be released on bail pending the outcome of his appeal.

The case stems from investigations into alleged illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession, which resulted in charges being brought against Mr Boasiako, Akonta Mining Company Limited and another accused person.

The latest development adds another legal hurdle for Mr Boasiako as he seeks to overturn his conviction and avoid serving the full 20-year custodial sentence imposed by the High Court.