The Attorney-General has opposed an application by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, for bail pending appeal, arguing that Wontumi, who is currently serving a 20-year jails sentence poses a significant flight risk.
The Office of the Attorney General stated that “the grounds of appeal contained in the Exhibit CB2, the appeal, contrary to the averments in Paragraphs 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the affidavit in support of the motion, discloses no reasonable chance of success.”
Flight risk
According to the prosecution, contrary to the claims made by Mr Boasiako in his application, he constituted a significant flight risk.
It said the risk was further supported by comments made by his previous counsel during a television interview, in which the lawyer reportedly stated that, but for the management of Mr Boasiako’s character, he had been determined to resist arrest or breach his bail conditions.
The Attorney General’s opposition also focuses on concerns about Wontumi’s possible failure to remain within the jurisdiction while the appeal process is ongoing.
It argues that the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman poses a significant flight risk and has urged the court to take that factor into consideration when determining whether to grant him bail.
“That contrary to the averments in Paragraphs 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18 and 20 of the affidavit in support of the motion, the Applicant constitutes a significant flight risk.”
