Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea, legal counsel for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has revealed that an appeal has been filed against the 20-year prison sentence imposed on his client.
According to Atta Akyea, the legal team has also submitted an application seeking bail pending the determination of the appeal. He explained that the move is intended to allow Chairman Wontumi to remain out of custody while the appellate court reviews the conviction and sentence.
The appeal challenges both the conviction and the severity of the sentence, with the defence expressing confidence that the appellate court will carefully examine the legal and factual issues raised in the case.
Atta Akyea maintained that his client deserves the opportunity to pursue the appeal without remaining in prison, arguing that the legal process should be allowed to run its full course before the sentence is enforced.
The filing of the appeal marks the next stage in the legal battle involving Chairman Wontumi, whose conviction and 20-year prison term have generated significant public and political attention.
The Court of Appeal is expected to consider the bail application before proceeding with the substantive appeal, which will determine whether the conviction or sentence should be upheld, varied, or set aside.
