AG opposes Wontumi’s bail application, cites flight risk

The Office of the Attorney General has opposed a bail application filed by Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as he seeks to appeal his conviction and sentence.

The Attorney General’s opposition was contained in an affidavit filed at the High Court on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in response to Wontumi’s application for bail pending the hearing and determination of his appeal.

Wontumi’s lawyers had approached the High Court on Friday, August 7, seeking an order to release their client on bail while he pursues an appeal against his conviction and sentence.

However, the Attorney General has urged the court to dismiss the application, arguing that the grounds contained in the appeal do not demonstrate a reasonable prospect of success.

In its affidavit opposing the bail application, the Office of the Attorney General challenged several claims made by Wontumi in the affidavit filed in support of his application.

The State maintained that the grounds of appeal contained in the applicant’s appeal were insufficient to establish that he had a reasonable chance of overturning his conviction and sentence.

The Attorney General stated that the grounds of appeal contained in Exhibit CB2 did not disclose a reasonable prospect of success, contrary to assertions made in paragraphs 6 to 11 of Wontumi’s supporting affidavit.

The State is therefore asking the court to reject the application for bail on the basis that the appeal does not meet the threshold required to justify his release.

The Attorney General’s opposition also centres on concerns about Wontumi’s ability or willingness to remain within Ghana while the appeal process is ongoing.

According to the State, the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman constitutes a significant flight risk and this should be considered by the court in determining whether to grant him bail.

The Attorney General specifically disputed assertions contained in paragraphs 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18 and 20 of Wontumi’s affidavit.

The State argued that, contrary to those claims, the applicant poses a significant risk of leaving the jurisdiction.

The High Court will consider the arguments from both sides before determining whether Wontumi should be granted bail pending the outcome of his appeal.

The latest development means the prosecution is firmly opposed to his release while the appeal process continues, citing both the alleged lack of merit in his grounds of appeal and concerns over his potential flight from the jurisdiction.

The court’s eventual ruling will determine whether Wontumi remains in custody during the appeal or is released subject to any conditions the court may impose.