Exim Bank Case: Wontumi risks becoming ineligible for positions - Kwasi Kwarteng

Former spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Kwasi Kwarteng, has weighed in on the Exim Bank fraud case involving Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako.

Speaking during a discussion on TV3, shared on X and sighted by GhanaWeb on June 15, 2026, Kwasi Kwarteng stated that the Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) fraud case involving Chairman Wontumi could affect his eligibility to contest for a position within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

According to Kwarteng, if Chairman Wontumi proceeds with a plea bargain and it is accepted by the court, it could carry legal consequences similar to a conviction.

Galamsey Trial: Court throws out Andy Appiah-Kubi's withdrawal application

“He’s an adult and can make decisions for himself. When you enter into a plea bargain, and the judge adopts it, convicts you, and imposes a sentence, there are consequences. Before that process is completed, you must plead guilty before the judge enters a conviction. If you are criminally convicted, there are consequences under the Constitution regarding eligibility for certain higher offices and positions.

“Because once you admit, ‘I am guilty of this and I am not going for trial; I am going to return ABCD,’ and the judge imposes a sentence, that becomes a conviction in itself. So, at that point, you may be treated as a convict,” he said.

Kwasi Kwarteng further stated that he believes Chairman Wontumi will make his own decision regarding whether to pursue higher political office.

Samuel Atta Akyea takes over as Wontumi's lawyer in Samereboi mining case

He argued that both the national Constitution and the NPP’s internal regulations may affect the eligibility of individuals with criminal convictions to hold certain positions, adding that the final decision would rest with the party and its internal processes.

“It will obviously have a consequential impact on eligibility for certain higher offices, whether within your political party, social standing, or public office.

“I do not speak for the party, and I have not been briefed on any official position. Those decisions will ultimately be made by the party, or perhaps by the Chairman himself. He is an adult,” he added.

Watch the video below:

Chairman Wontumi pleading guilty in his recent plea bargain might have consequences on his eligibility for certain higher positions in the NPP. - Kwasi Kwarteng, Former Spokesperson, Ministry of Education#TV3NewDay #TV3GH pic.twitter.com/g7SSdBFhme

— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) June 15, 2026