The Accra High Court has been informed that Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is pursuing a plea bargain in the criminal case involving alleged fraudulent transactions with the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank).
The Office of the Attorney-General notified the court on June 11, 2026, that the first accused person had formally expressed interest in entering into plea negotiations.
Court documents indicate that Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, communicated the request in a letter dated June 5, 2026, to the Attorney-General. The notification was filed in accordance with Section 162C(3) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30).
Chairman Wontumi is standing trial alongside Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, who remains at large, and Wontumi Farms Limited. The prosecution is being conducted by the Office of the Attorney-General.
The notice, signed by Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai, was officially lodged with the court for the attention of the presiding judge.
The prosecution alleges that between 2018 and 2022, the accused persons secured GH¢14.3 million from EXIM Bank through fraudulent representations using Wontumi Farms Limited.
Prosecutors further contend that Wontumi submitted a forged receipt to bank officials in an attempt to obtain an additional GH¢4 million facility.
He is also accused of knowingly benefiting from proceeds allegedly acquired through unlawful means, forming the basis of a money laundering charge.
The state further claims that the transactions caused losses exceeding GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank, alleging that substantial portions of the funds were diverted for personal expenditure and ventures unrelated to the stated purpose of the financing.
The court is expected to consider the plea bargain notification as discussions between the parties continue under the relevant legal provisions.
