An Accra High Court has ordered the state to file its disclosures within 14 days in the EXIM Bank fraud case involving Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi.
The court’s directive follows the failure of the prosecution and defence to reach an agreement through plea bargaining initiated by Boasiako’s legal team.
The development means the criminal proceedings will now move forward, with the prosecution expected to submit the required documents ahead of the next stage of the trial.
Plea Bargaining Fails in Wontumi Case
Reverend Joshua Sackey, a Principal State Attorney, informed the court on Thursday that efforts by both sides to reach a settlement through plea bargaining had not succeeded.
“We have not been able to reach an agreement in the plea bargaining. We seek the direction of the court to file our disclosures,” he told the court.
Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea, counsel for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, said he understood that plea bargaining could be pursued at any stage of criminal proceedings.
He explained that the continuation of the case had not prevented the parties from exploring the plea-bargaining process.
“The continuation of the case did stop them from the plea bargaining,” he said.
Court Directs State to File Case Disclosures
The trial judge observed that attempts to reach a plea-bargaining agreement had failed on two occasions and that the 30-day period provided for the process had already elapsed.
The court consequently directed the state to file its disclosures within 14 days.
The disclosures will allow the case to proceed to a Case Management Conference (CMC), which has been scheduled for September 22, 2026.
The case was adjourned to September 22, with Boasiako absent from court.
Wontumi EXIM Bank Loan Case Explained
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, a former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is facing allegations connected to a loan facility obtained from EXIM Bank Ghana.
According to the prosecution, Boasiako allegedly obtained a GH¢19 million loan facility from EXIM Bank to finance a maize farming project covering approximately 100 acres of land.
The state alleges that the proposed farming project was not undertaken.
Prosecutors further allege that documents were presented in connection with the purchase of agricultural machinery valued at GH¢4 million.
The loan facility is alleged to have subsequently increased to approximately GH¢30 million.
Wontumi Fraud Case: Prosecution’s Allegations
The prosecution alleges that Boasiako and his associate, Thomas Antwi Boasiako, were involved in the alleged offences.
Thomas Antwi Boasiako is reportedly still at large.
The allegations form the basis of the ongoing EXIM Bank fraud case, which is being heard by the Accra High Court.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, who is currently serving a prison sentence, has denied the charges against him.
What Happens Next in the EXIM Bank Case?
With the plea-bargaining process unsuccessful, the state has been ordered to submit its disclosures within 14 days.
The filing is expected to prepare the case for the Case Management Conference on September 22, 2026.
The next proceedings will determine how the case moves forward as the court considers the evidence and legal issues surrounding the alleged EXIM Bank loan fraud.
The case remains ongoing, and the allegations against Boasiako have not been established as fact unless proven through the judicial process.
Source: newsthemegh.com