Franklin Cudjoe shares key takeaways from Wontumi encounter

The President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has shared reflections on an unplanned lunch meeting with the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

In a post shared on his X page on Saturday, June 13, 2026, he disclosed that the meeting, which took place about three weeks ago, focused on Ghana’s political environment, governance challenges, and Wontumi’s personal journey in politics.

Wontumi seeks plea deal in GH¢30 million EXIM Bank fraud trial

Cudjoe described the encounter as unexpectedly revealing, as it offered a different perspective on the NPP regional chairman’s thinking.

“I had lunch with Chairman Wontumi about three weeks ago, and we had a very frank and wide-ranging discussion about Ghana, his political journey, his trials, tribulations, and what the future may hold for him politically,” he said.

He further said the conversation changed his perception of Wontumi’s public image.

“I must say I came away genuinely surprised. I was awestruck by the depth of his thinking and how carefully he reflected on the issues we discussed. It was not the loud public version of him that many people are familiar with,” he noted.

Franklin Cudjoe added that, in private, Wontumi appears more reflective and strategic about his political role.

“Stripped of all the political noise and the sometimes exaggerated public posture, you could see a man who is clearly thinking deeply about his future and his place in Ghana’s political landscape,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wontumi has requested a plea negotiation with the Attorney-General in his ongoing criminal trial over an alleged GH¢14.3 million loan fraud involving the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank).

The case involves the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman as the first accused, Thomas Antwi-Boasiako (who is currently at large) as the second accused, and Wontumi Farms Limited as the third.

They face four charges: defrauding by false pretence, forgery, money laundering, and causing financial loss to a public institution.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

In a separate case, Wontumi, alongside Akonta Mining Limited and company director Kwame Antwi, is standing trial at the Accra High Court over alleged illegal mining activities at Samreboi.

Judgment in that case is scheduled for July 3, 2026.

See the post below:

Three weeks ago, I had lunch with Chairman Wontumi. We discussed Ghana, his trials, tribulations, and his political future. I was awestruck by the depth of his thinking. Stripped of all his previous political overreach in speech and conduct, he is a maverick well on his way to…

— Franklin CUDJOE (@lordcudjoe) June 13, 2026

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