Bernard Antwi Boasiako bail hearing adjourned to October

Chairman Wontumi illegal mining bail application Accra High Court New Patriotic Party

The Accra High Court has adjourned the bail application of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the former New Patriotic Party Ashanti Regional Chairman known as Chairman Wontumi, to October 15, 2026. The adjournment occurred after both Boasiako and his lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, failed to appear for the scheduled hearing on August 19, 2026.

Boasiako is currently serving a twenty-year prison sentence following a conviction by the Accra High Court for illegal mining offenses related to a concession at Samreboi. His legal team filed for bail pending the outcome of an appeal, arguing that the original trial was wrong in law.

While the defense was absent, the prosecution was present. Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai and NPP Director of Legal Affairs Gary Nimako represented the state, which has indicated it will oppose the bail request on the grounds that Boasiako poses a flight risk. The court proceedings were further delayed by the unavailability of the presiding judge for the remainder of the week.