AG Opposes Wontumi’s Bail, Calls Him a ‘Significant Flight Risk’
The Attorney-General has opposed an application by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, for bail pending appeal, arguing that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman poses a “significant flight risk.”
Wontumi is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted on two counts relating to the assignment of mineral rights without ministerial approval and the facilitation of an unlicensed mining operation on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.
The sentences are running concurrently.
In an affidavit filed at the High Court in Accra in opposition to the bail application, State Attorney Priscilla Lartey, acting on behalf of the Attorney-General, argued that the grounds of appeal filed by Wontumi disclosed no reasonable chance of success.
The State has therefore asked the court to dismiss the application for bail pending appeal.
State raises flight-risk concerns
According to the prosecution, contrary to claims made in Wontumi’s application, he presents a significant risk of fleeing the jurisdiction.
The prosecution cited comments allegedly made by Wontumi’s former counsel during a television interview as part of its argument. The lawyer reportedly stated that, but for efforts to manage Wontumi’s character, he had been determined to resist arrest or breach his bail conditions.
The State attached a video recording of the interview to the affidavit as an exhibit.
The Attorney-General further argued that the alleged flight risk was heightened because Wontumi is facing other legal matters and could potentially receive additional lengthy prison sentences if convicted.
State rejects need for physical presence
The prosecution also rejected Wontumi’s claim that his physical presence was necessary for his lawyers to prepare written addresses in support of his appeal.
According to the State, the trial has effectively been concluded, meaning his physical presence is not necessary for his lawyers to prepare the appeal.
The Attorney-General also pointed to Wontumi’s own affidavit, which allegedly disclosed that he had had “several brushes with the law.”
AG says no exceptional circumstances
The State further rejected Wontumi’s claim that there were special or exceptional circumstances that justified granting him bail pending appeal.
According to the Attorney-General, the application does not satisfy the conditions required for the High Court to exercise its discretion in Wontumi’s favour.
The prosecution has consequently urged the court to summarily dismiss the bail application.
The court is expected to consider the arguments from both sides before determining whether Wontumi will be granted bail pending the outcome of his appeal.
