Chairman Wontumi Expected to be Released Today After Meeting Bail Condionn Met

 October 10, 2025

Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the incumbent Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is expected to be released from custody today after meeting all bail conditions set by the court.

Bail Conditions Met

Andy Appiah-Kubi, lead counsel for Chairman Wontumi, confirmed yesterday that all requirements for his client's release have been fulfilled, with only one administrative hurdle remaining.

"We have met all the bail conditions, except a transfer of his passport from EOCO to the registrar of the court," Appiah-Kubi told Alfred Ocansey on Ghana Tonight on October 9. "The officials at EOCO promised to deliver them tomorrow. So tomorrow morning, God willing, we'll be able to secure the release of Chairman Wontumi."

The lawyer expressed confidence that barring any last-minute complications, his client would be home by morning.

Criticism of Bail System

During the interview, Appiah-Kubi raised concerns about Ghana's bail execution process, arguing that lengthy procedures effectively punish accused persons who have not been found guilty of any offense.

"When somebody or an accused person has not been found guilty of any offence, he's entitled to his freedom," he stated, noting that verification from the Lands Commission and property evaluation often cause significant delays.

The lawyer was particularly critical of the financial burden imposed by the bail process. In Chairman Wontumi's case, with bail set at GH₵20 million, the accused is required to pay approximately GH₵200,000 (roughly 1% of the bail amount) for property verification and evaluation.

"I'm not sure that it is fair for accused persons to pay 200,000 Ghanaian cedis before they can secure their release. It is not fair. It is unlawful, because bail should not impose any penalties whatsoever on the accused person," Appiah-Kubi argued.

Call for Reform

The lawyer called for a comprehensive review of bail procedures, emphasizing that the current system undermines the constitutional right to freedom for those who have not been convicted.

"The system has challenges. And I'm saying that it does not give you, the accused person, your right to freedom as expected by the ruling," he explained, adding that the verification and evaluation process makes securing bail both time-consuming and expensive.

Chairman Wontumi's prosecution has been described by some observers as a significant moment in Ghana's ongoing fight against illegal mining activities.