An Accra High Court has cleared the way for plea bargain negotiations between the Attorney General and lawyers for Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in the ongoing Exim Bank loan fraud case.
The approval follows an application filed by Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, under Section 162C(3) of Act 30, seeking to initiate formal plea discussions with the prosecution.
The court’s decision allows both parties to begin negotiations that could potentially lead to a settlement of the criminal case without a full trial.
Chairman Wontumi is standing trial alongside Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, who is reportedly at large, and Wontumi Farms Limited.
The three accused persons face four charges: defrauding by false pretence, uttering a forged document, money laundering, and intentionally causing financial loss to a public institution.
According to the charge sheet filed on May 15, 2026, the accused allegedly secured GH¢14.3 million from the Export-Import Bank of Ghana (Exim Bank) in 2018 after applying for a facility worth GH¢18.7 million on behalf of Wontumi Farms Limited.
Prosecutors contend that the funds were intended to support a large-scale farming project.
However, the Attorney General’s office alleges that no farming activities were carried out despite the disbursement of the funds.
The prosecution further claims that no farm machinery was purchased, no workers were employed, and no meaningful agricultural operations took place under the project.
Investigators also allege that a document submitted as evidence of the purchase of farming equipment was forged.
According to the prosecution, the alleged actions resulted in financial losses exceeding GH¢30 million to Exim Bank.
Chairman Wontumi pleaded not guilty to all charges when he first appeared before the High Court on May 18, 2026.
The latest court decision does not amount to an admission of guilt but simply grants both the prosecution and defence the opportunity to explore a plea agreement under Ghana’s criminal justice framework.
If negotiations are successful, the parties may return to court with an agreed settlement for approval. If no agreement is reached, the criminal trial will continue through the normal judicial process.
The case remains one of the most high-profile financial crime prosecutions currently before Ghana’s courts, attracting significant public and political interest.
