The Attorney-General’s office has formally opposed an application by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, for bail pending appeal in a criminal case before the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra.
In an affidavit in opposition filed on 11 August 2026 and sworn by State Attorney Priscilla Lartey, the Republic argues that the appeal has no reasonable chance of success and that Wontumi poses a significant flight risk.
The case is docketed as CR/0004/2026, involving Wontumi as 1st Appellant/Applicant, Kwame Antwi (at large) as 2nd Accused, and Akonta Mining Company Limited as 3rd Appellant.
The deponent states that the grounds of appeal (referenced as Exhibit CB2) do not disclose any reasonable prospect of success, contrary to claims made in the supporting affidavit for the bail application.
She further asserted that Wontumi constitutes a material flight risk. This risk is said to be corroborated by a recent television interview given by his previous counsel, who allegedly stated that only his intense management of Wontumi’s “chaotic character” prevented the applicant from resisting arrest or breaching bail conditions. A video of that interview has been attached as Exhibit AG1 (a pen-drive).
The affidavit also notes that Wontumi is facing other criminal trials in which conviction could result in lengthy imprisonment, thereby increasing the incentive to abscond.
It dismissed the argument that his physical presence is necessary for the preparation of written submissions on appeal, pointing out that the trial has effectively concluded and the grounds of appeal are already set out.
Additionally, the Republic rejects claimed that Wontumi has no significant prior brushes with the law, citing admissions in the applicant’s own supporting affidavit, and maintains that no special or exceptional circumstances exist to justify bail pending appeal.
The Attorney-General therefore prayed the court to exercise its discretion to summarily dismiss the application.
The affidavit was sworn before a Deputy Registrar/Commissioner for Oaths at the Law Court Complex in Accra and is directed for service on Wontumi’s counsel, Mr. Samuel Atta Akyea of Zoe, Akyea & Co.
