Chairman Wontumi Seeks Plea Bargain in EXIM Bank Fraud Case
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, has initiated a plea bargain process in the ongoing criminal case involving alleged fraud and financial loss 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 expressed interest in negotiating a plea agreement under Ghana’s criminal justice framework.
According to court documents, the request was submitted through Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, in a letter addressed to the Attorney-General on June 5, 2026.
The notification was filed pursuant to Section 162C(3) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30).
The case lists Chairman Wontumi as the first accused person alongside Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, who is currently at large, and Wontumi Farms Limited. The state is being represented by the Office of the Attorney-General.
The notice, signed by Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai, was filed before the court for the attention of the presiding judge.
Prosecutors allege that between 2018 and 2022, the accused persons fraudulently obtained GH¢14.3 million from Ghana Export-Import Bank through false pretences using Wontumi Farms Limited.
The prosecution further claims that Chairman Wontumi submitted a forged receipt to bank officials to support the acquisition of an additional GH¢4 million facility.
He is also facing a money laundering charge based on allegations that he knowingly benefited from funds obtained through fraudulent means.
According to the charge sheet, the transactions are alleged to have caused financial losses exceeding GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank.
The court is expected to consider the plea bargain notification while negotiations between the parties proceed in accordance with the law. The criminal case remains before the High Court pending further developments.
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