Wontumi’s EXIM Bank Case to Proceed after Failed Plea-bargaining Talks
The High Court in Accra has ordered the continuation of the criminal case against former NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following the failure of plea-bargaining discussions between the defence and the State.
The development follows an earlier decision by the court to allow the parties additional time to explore a possible plea agreement in the alleged EXIM Bank fraud case.
Chairman Wontumi is facing charges in connection with an alleged fraud involving financing obtained from the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) for a farming project. The prosecution alleges that he made false representations in securing the facility and that the proposed farming project was not undertaken as represented.
According to the prosecution’s case, EXIM Bank approved a facility of about GH¢18.7 million for Wontumi Farms Limited, while more than GH¢14.3 million was allegedly disbursed. Investigators have further alleged that the funds were not used for the purposes for which they were obtained.
Wontumi has been charged alongside Wontumi Farms Limited and another accused person, Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, who is reportedly at large. The prosecution’s allegations include causing financial loss to the state.
The plea-bargaining process was previously described by the prosecution as being at an advanced stage. At a July 27 hearing, the State disclosed that it had received a proposal from the defence and had made a counter-offer.
At that hearing, Samuel Atta Akyea formally took over as lead counsel for Wontumi, replacing Andy Appiah-Kubi. The court subsequently granted the parties an additional 30 days to conclude the negotiations and adjourned the matter to August 27, 2026.
The plea discussions came against the backdrop of Wontumi’s conviction and 20-year prison sentence in a separate illegal-mining case.
Following the failure of the plea negotiations, the High Court has directed that the EXIM Bank case proceed.
The court has adjourned the matter to September 22, 2026, for a case management conference and directed the prosecution to file and serve its disclosures on the accused within 14 days.
Source: CNR
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