The Attorney-General has urged the court to reject a bail application filed by convicted New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, pending the determination of his appeal.
In its response to the application, the State argued that the grounds relied on by Mr Boasiako do not demonstrate a reasonable prospect of overturning his conviction and 20-year prison sentence.
The Attorney-General further contended that the applicant had failed to establish any special circumstances that would justify his release while the appeal process is ongoing.
Mr Boasiako was sentenced by the Accra High Court on July 20 to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour after being convicted of offences connected to illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay found him guilty of offences including the assignment of 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, and ordered the confiscation of mining equipment, firearms and cash seized during investigations.
Following the conviction, Mr Boasiako filed an appeal challenging both his conviction and sentence. He has subsequently applied for bail to remain out of custody while the appellate process is pursued.
His lawyers maintain that the appeal raises issues that warrant consideration by the appellate court and could lead to a review of the High Court’s decision.
The Attorney-General, however, has rejected that position, insisting that the proposed appeal does not have a reasonable likelihood of success.
The State is therefore asking the court to keep Mr Boasiako in custody until the appeal is determined, arguing that the requirements for bail pending appeal have not been met.
The court will now consider the competing arguments before deciding whether Mr Boasiako should be released pending the determination of his appeal.
The case followed investigations into alleged illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession, which resulted in charges against Mr Boasiako, Akonta Mining Company Limited and another accused person.
