By Ashiadey Dotse
The Attorney General has asked the High Court to reject a bail application by New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, warning that he could leave the country while his appeal is pending.
In an affidavit filed on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the Attorney General opposed Wontumi’s application for bail pending the hearing and determination of his appeal against his conviction and sentence.
Wontumi’s lawyers approached the High Court on Friday, August 7, seeking bail for their client while he challenges his conviction and sentence through the appeals process. However, the State has strongly opposed the application, arguing that the grounds of appeal do not demonstrate any reasonable prospect of success.
The Attorney General’s Office said the grounds set out in Wontumi’s appeal were insufficient to support his claim that the appeal could succeed. Besides the argument that the grounds for appeal is not sound, the State’s main concern is that, Wontumi is a flight risk. According to the Attorney general’s office, the State is not sure whether Wontumi would remain within the jurisdiction throughout the appeal process.
In the view of the Attorney General’s office, Wontumi poses a “significant flight risk”, which should be taken into consideration by the court in determining whether to grant him bail.
The State also challenged several claims made by Wontumi in the affidavit supporting his bail application.
The court will consider arguments from both sides before determining whether Wontumi should be granted bail while his appeal is pending.
