Legal vacation could delay Wontumi's bail application hearing - Martin Kpebu

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, may have to wait until October before his application for bail pending appeal is heard due to the judiciary's upcoming legal vacation. His lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, announced that the legal team will appeal the High Court's decision after Wontumi was convicted in a case involving illegal mining offences linked to Akonta Mining Limited. Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner, explained that while the appeal could be filed before the end of the legal year on Friday, July 31, the Court of Appeal is expected to proceed on vacation, making it difficult for the bail application to be heard immediately.

Kpebu stated that the matter may only receive attention when the new legal year begins in October. He noted that although some High Court judges remain available during the vacation to handle urgent matters, Wontumi's chances of securing bail at that level are limited. Kpebu said, "His chances of getting bail in the High Court are very slim, very, very slim." He explained that because the judge who delivered the judgment is expected to sit during the vacation, the legal team may have to pursue the bail application at the Court of Appeal.