Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi, is expected to remain in custody after failing to meet bail conditions granted by two separate High Courts in Accra on Tuesday.
Wontumi, who is the first accused in an ongoing illegal mining case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited, has been granted bail totalling GHC25 million in two different cases. However, his lawyers say administrative delays prevented them from completing the bail process before the close of work.
His lawyer, Enoch Afoakwa, told Accra-based Citi FM that the team could not finalise the paperwork on time.
“Not yet… The judicial service workers close at 4 pm, so certainly that will be another business for tomorrow,” he said.
He confirmed that Wontumi is currently in the custody of the Ghana Prisons Service but said they were yet to determine his exact location.
The legal team is expected to return to court on Wednesday to work with the registrar to execute the bail bond.
“We intend to go back to the court to ensure the necessary administrative steps are completed to secure his release,” Afoakwa said.
He also thanked supporters who have offered their properties as sureties for the embattled politician, who faces multiple charges, including facilitating unlicensed mining operations and assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval.
