Lead Counsel for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, Andy Appiah Kubi, has expressed concern over the cumbersome nature of bail procedures in Ghana following the court’s decision to grant bail to his client and other accused persons in their ongoing galamsey cases.
Speaking to journalists after court proceedings, Appiah Kubi confirmed that bail had been secured in both cases pending against Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining.
“Fortunately for us, we’ve been able to secure bail for Sir Naomi Twohy and his company and the other accused persons. They have been admitted to bail on various arms and justification,” he stated.
He explained, however, that the release of the accused persons could not be immediately executed because the police must first verify the properties offered as surety.
“Unfortunately, at this time, we are not able to secure the release of the accused persons for reason that the police will have to go and inspect their houses, their assurances, their houses of assurances, and come back and give a report before the registrar could execute the bail box,” he clarified.
The lawyer outlined that the first bail was secured in the morning at Criminal Court Four, only for a new case to be filed later at Criminal Court One.
“We secured the bail and its associated conditions in the morning, only to be slapped with another case that we needed to go to Court One to prosecute.
“The charge sheet was given to us around two o’clock, so the court has just finished with the second one and also granted bail,” he said, adding that he hoped all conditions would be fully executed by the following day to allow for their release.
Appiah Kubi also used the occasion to raise broader concerns about the country’s bail system, describing it as a national issue that needs urgent attention.
“You see, the Criminal Procedure Code Section 96(4) says that bail should not be used as punishment on the accused persons.
“The court took into consideration that admonition, but because the precedent doesn’t favour otherwise of treating accused persons fairly, it becomes difficult for them to discharge their responsibility to secure the bail,” he argued.
