The Attorney-General has filed processes opposing an application by convicted illegal mining kingpin Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, for bail pending appeal.

The State argues that Mr Boasiako’s appeal has no reasonable chance of success and therefore does not provide sufficient grounds for his release from custody.

It explained, among other things, that there are no special circumstances existing to admit same.

The application follows Mr Boasiako’s conviction and sentencing by the Accra High Court for offences relating to illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region.

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Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay on July 20, 2026, sentenced Mr Boasiako to 20 years in prison with hard labour after finding him guilty of offences including assigning mineral rights without the required approval and facilitating unlicensed mining.

The court also fined Akonta Mining Company Limited, of which Mr Boasiako is a shareholder and director, and ordered the confiscation of mining equipment, firearms and cash seized during investigations.

Mr Boasiako has since appealed the conviction and sentence and is seeking bail pending the determination of the appeal.

His lawyers argue that there are grounds warranting appellate review of the High Court’s decision.

The Attorney-General, however, is opposing the bail application, maintaining that the intended appeal does not have a reasonable prospect of success.

The State's latest filing will now be considered by the court as it determines whether Mr Boasiako should remain in custody while his appeal is heard.

The case stems from investigations into illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession, which led to Mr Boasiako being charged alongside Akonta Mining Company Limited and another accused person.