The Exim Bank case involving Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, has been postponed by an Accra High Court to allow the prosecution and defence to negotiate a plea deal.
The parties requested to start talks under Ghana’s plea bargaining system, and the adjournment was announced on June 18, 2026.
The prosecution filed a Notice of Commencement of Plea Negotiation on June 11, 2026, in accordance with the applicable Act 30 requirements, Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai informed the court.
He stated that the accused had indicated a wish to utilise the legal plea negotiating process.
The prosecution claims that discussions with the accused’s solicitors had already taken place and that both parties decided that a short postponement would allow formal talks to start.
In order to give the parties time to negotiate a potential settlement, the court later approved the request and postponed the proceedings.
Plea bargaining can lead to agreed-upon outcomes on charges, punishment, or other aspects of the proceedings and permits prosecutors and accused parties to negotiate the resolution of criminal cases, subject to court approval.
The Export-Import Bank of Ghana-related issues gave birth to the case involving Chairman Wontumi and others, which is still pending the conclusion of the talks.
The prosecution claims that between 2018 and 2022, Bernard and Thomas Antwi-Boasiako used Wontumi Farms Limited as a vehicle to illegally receive GH¢14,302,000 from EXIM Bank under false pretences.
According to the charge sheet, Chairman Wontumi reportedly gave EXIM Bank personnel a fake receipt that was used to justify a further GH¢4 million facility.
Additionally, he is charged with money laundering since he is believed to have knowingly benefited from funds that were allegedly obtained fraudulently.
Furthermore, according to the prosecution, the accused individuals led EXIM Bank to lose more than GH¢30 million as a result of the disputed transactions.
Source: newsthemegh.com