Wontumi seeks bail pending appeal

The motion said the appeal raised genuine and substantial constitutional interpretation questions regarding Article 19(1) of the Constitution and the constitutionality of Sections 14(1), 59 and 99(2) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as penal legislation, of which the trial judge allegedly usurped the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in violation of Article 132(2) of the Constitution.

Chairman Wontumi Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Wontumi, has filed a motion seeking bail pending an appeal against his 20-year prison sentence.

On July 20, 2026, the High Court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, convicted and sentenced Boasiako to 20 years imprisonment in hard labour for facilitating illegal mining activities on a Samreboi concession in the Western Region.