Accra: The Attorney General (AG) has opposed Bernard Antwi Boasiako's notice for an order for bail pending an appeal. The AG denied each allegation of facts contained in the affidavit in support of the motion, stating that the motion discloses no reasonable chance of success.
According to Ghana News Agency, the AG held in the affidavit in opposition that the applicant constituted a 'significant flight risk.' The AG's motion emphasized that the risk of the appellant fleeing is heightened by the fact that he is undergoing a criminal trial in other cases, which could result in a substantial prison sentence if convicted.
The AG also countered the claim that the appellant's physical presence would aid in the preparation for his appeal. The AG stated that the application does not disclose any special or exceptional circumstances that would justify granting bail pending the appeal.
The AG urged the court to use its discretion to 'summarily dismiss the present application.' Boasiako, also known as Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was sentenced to 20 years by the High Court for facilitating illegal mining activities at a concession in Samreboi in the Western Region. He, along with his firm, Akonta Mining Company Limited, and one Kwame Antwi, who is still at large, were tried for the offenses.
Boasiako, an entrepreneur who is currently serving his sentence, filed for bail pending an appeal, arguing that his application has a chance of success. He claimed that the entire trial was flawed in law, based on the record.
The High Court is set to hear the motion on notice for bail pending an appeal on August 19, 2026.