Seeing the plea bargain, I am not surprised – Kwesi Kwarteng on Wontumi case

NPP communicator Kwesi Kwarteng has disclosed that former presidential hopeful Kennedy Agyapong once questioned Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, about a GH¢30 million loan regarding the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank).

Kwarteng said the conversation took place after Wontumi was released from detention by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), following efforts by party members to satisfy his bail conditions.

According to him, several senior figures within the party played key roles in securing Wontumi’s release.

“When Chairman Wontumi was detained by EOCO, party functionaries worked hard to meet his bail conditions. I recall Bryan stood surety for him, and Ken also worked tirelessly to do the same,” Kwarteng said.

He explained that after Wontumi regained his freedom, he paid visits to individuals who had assisted him during the process.

“When Wontumi was released, he went to thank these high-profile individuals who had supported him. During that interaction, the issue of the Exim Bank loan came up,” he stated.

Kwarteng said Kennedy Agyapong used the opportunity to ask Wontumi about the facility and how the funds had been used.

Although he declined to reveal details of the discussion, citing a lack of permission from Kennedy Agyapong, he said Wontumi’s explanation left him uneasy.

"I don't have Ken's permission to share all the details, but I remember Ken asked him about the matter and Wontumi's response raised concerns for me," he said.

According to Kwarteng, the discussion touched on how Wontumi's farms obtained the funds and what became of the investment.

"It was a concern for me. I don't have Ken's permission to disclose everything, but seeing the plea bargain application now, I am not surprised, given the prior knowledge I had," he added.