An Accra High Court has granted lawyers for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, and the Attorney-General additional time to conclude discussions on a possible plea bargain arrangement in the ongoing GH¢30 million EXIM Bank fraud case.
The court directed both parties to return on July 6, 2026, to provide an update on the progress of negotiations aimed at resolving the matter through a plea agreement.
At the hearing, counsel for the accused informed the court that discussions with the Attorney-General’s Department were still ongoing and requested more time to allow both sides to explore a possible settlement under the country’s plea bargaining provisions.
State prosecutors did not oppose the request, indicating that negotiations had reached an advanced stage but had not yet been finalized.
Presiding over the case, the judge granted the adjournment and instructed both parties to report back to the court on July 6 with the outcome of the discussions.
Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), is facing charges in connection with the alleged misappropriation of approximately GH¢30 million from the Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank). Prosecutors claim the funds were obtained under circumstances that breached the terms and conditions governing the facility.
The case has attracted significant public attention due to Wontumi’s prominent role in Ghanaian politics and the substantial amount involved.
Under Ghana’s plea bargaining framework, an accused person may negotiate an agreement with prosecutors, potentially resulting in reduced charges, restitution arrangements, or other agreed terms, subject to court approval.
The outcome of the ongoing negotiations is expected to determine whether the matter proceeds to a full trial or is resolved through an alternative legal settlement when the case is called again on July 6.
