Wontumi seeks plea bargain in EXIM Bank alleged fraud case

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, has initiated a plea bargain process in the ongoing criminal case involving allegations of fraud, money laundering, and financial loss to the state linked to the Ghana Export-Import Bank.

The development was formally disclosed to the Accra High Court by the Office of the Attorney-General in a filing dated June 11, 2026.

According to court documents, the first accused person, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, has begun steps toward negotiating a plea agreement under Ghana’s criminal justice framework.

The request was submitted through his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, in a letter addressed to the Attorney-General and dated June 5, 2026.

The Attorney-General’s office subsequently notified the court in accordance with Section 162C(3) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), which governs plea bargaining arrangements in criminal proceedings.

The notice was signed by Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai and filed at the court registry for the attention of the presiding judge.

Chairman Wontumi is standing trial alongside his brother, Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, who prosecutors say is currently at large, and Wontumi Farms Limited.

The Attorney-General is prosecuting the case on behalf of the state.

According to the prosecution, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako and Thomas Antwi-Boasiako allegedly obtained GH¢14.3 million from EXIM Bank between 2018 and 2022 through false pretences using Wontumi Farms Limited as the vehicle for the transactions.

Prosecutors further allege that Chairman Wontumi presented a forged receipt to officials of EXIM Bank to support the acquisition of an additional GH¢4 million financial facility.

The charge sheet also accuses him of knowingly benefiting from proceeds allegedly obtained through fraudulent means, resulting in a money laundering charge.

The prosecution claims that the transactions in question caused financial loss exceeding GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank.

State attorneys contend that the alleged fraudulent representations and supporting documentation influenced the approval and disbursement of funds by the bank.

The allegations remain before the court and have not yet been proven.

Under Ghanaian law, a plea bargain allows an accused person and prosecutors to negotiate a settlement of criminal charges subject to court approval.

Such agreements may involve an admission of responsibility for certain offences, restitution arrangements, reduced charges, or other negotiated terms, depending on the circumstances of the case and the approval of the court.

Legal experts note that the initiation of plea negotiations does not automatically determine the outcome of the case, as any agreement reached must still satisfy statutory requirements and receive judicial approval.

The High Court is expected to consider the Attorney-General’s notification and determine the next procedural steps as discussions between the prosecution and the defence continue.

The case remains one of the most closely watched financial crime prosecutions in Ghana, given the high-profile political status of Chairman Wontumi and the significant sums involved.

Further proceedings are expected in the coming weeks as the parties engage under the country’s plea bargaining framework.