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 seeking a plea bargain in the ongoing criminal case involving alleged fraud linked to the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank).
The Office of the Attorney-General formally notified the court of the development in a filing dated June 11, 2026, indicating that the first accused person had initiated steps toward a plea negotiation process.
The request was made through Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, and communicated to the Attorney-General in a letter dated June 5, 2026. The notice was filed under Section 162C(3) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30).
The case before the High Court in Accra lists Bernard Antwi-Boasiako as the first accused person, alongside Thomas Antwi-Boasiako—who is currently at large—and Wontumi Farms Limited. The Attorney-General is prosecuting the matter on behalf of the state.
The notification, signed by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, was submitted to the court registry for the attention of the presiding judge.
Prosecutors allege that between 2018 and 2022, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako and Thomas Antwi-Boasiako fraudulently obtained GH¢14,302,000 from EXIM Bank through false pretences, using Wontumi Farms Limited as the vehicle for the transaction.
The charge sheet further states that Chairman Wontumi allegedly presented a forged receipt to EXIM Bank officials, which was used to support an additional GH¢4 million facility.
He is also accused of knowingly benefiting from funds alleged to have been fraudulently obtained, forming the basis of a money laundering charge.
In addition, the prosecution claims the accused persons caused financial loss exceeding GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank through the transactions in question.
The court is expected to take further steps as it considers the plea bargain notification and the parties proceed with negotiations under the relevant legal framework.
