An Accra High Court has adjourned proceedings in the EXIM Bank case involving NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to allow plea negotiations between the prosecution and the defence.
The decision was announced on June 18, 2026, after both parties requested time to begin discussions under Ghana’s plea bargaining framework.
Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai told the court that the prosecution had filed a Notice of Commencement of Plea Negotiation on June 11, 2026, in accordance with the law. According to him, the accused persons have expressed interest in taking advantage of the plea negotiation process available under Ghana’s criminal justice system.
He explained that consultations had already taken place between prosecutors and lawyers for the accused, with both sides agreeing that a short adjournment would allow formal negotiations to commence.
The court subsequently granted the request and adjourned the matter to enable both parties to explore the possibility of reaching an agreement.
The case stems from allegations that between 2018 and 2022, Chairman Wontumi and Thomas Antwi-Boasiako fraudulently obtained GH¢14.3 million from the Export-Import Bank of Ghana through false pretences using Wontumi Farms Limited.
Prosecutors further allege that Chairman Wontumi presented a forged receipt to EXIM Bank officials to support an additional GH¢4 million facility.
He is also facing a money laundering charge for allegedly benefiting from funds prosecutors claim were fraudulently obtained.
According to the charge sheet, the transactions allegedly caused financial loss exceeding GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank.
Plea bargaining allows prosecutors and accused persons to negotiate a possible resolution to a criminal case, subject to approval by the court. The process can result in agreements on charges, sentencing, or other aspects of the case.
For now, the case remains before the court as both sides begin negotiations that could determine the next phase of the high-profile legal battle involving Chairman Wontumi.
