Plea Bargain: Court grants extension in Wontumi's EXIM Bank case

The Accra High Court has granted the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, additional time to facilitate ongoing plea negotiations in the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank case.

The adjournment was granted to allow more time for ongoing plea-bargaining negotiations between the defence and the Attorney General’s Department.

The court adjourned proceedings to July 27, 2026, as both the prosecution and defence continue discussions.

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One of Chairman Wontumi’s legal team members made this known while speaking with the media in a video shared by Adom FM on July 6, 2026.

“This is the EXIM Bank case. We are yet to begin the substantive hearing, as this is the first matter in which lawyers for the accused and the Attorney General’s Department have opted for plea bargaining.

“Today in court, we requested additional time to continue the negotiations. The court granted the request and adjourned proceedings to July 27, 2026. We hope to reach a settlement by then," he said.

This development marks the latest twist in the case, where Wontumi and others face charges related to an alleged scheme that caused significant financial loss to the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.

According to court documents and reports, the accused are alleged to have defrauded the bank of approximately GH¢14.3 million to GH¢30 million through actions including presenting a forged receipt, fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to a public institution.

Wontumi’s legal team, led by lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, initiated the plea-bargaining process by writing to the Attorney General’s office.

The request was formally communicated to the court earlier in June 2026.

Both parties jointly sought time to explore a potential settlement under Ghana’s plea-bargaining framework, which could involve a guilty plea in exchange for reduced charges, repayment with interest, or other terms.

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Background of the Case

Wontumi, along with Wontumi Farms Limited and Thomas Antwi-Boasiako (who is reportedly on the run), pleaded not guilty to the charges when the matter first came before the court on May 18, 2026.

The case stems from events around 2018 involving a loan or facility from EXIM Bank.

On June 18, 2026, the court, presided over by Justice Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, had previously adjourned the matter to allow initial plea talks.

The latest extension to July 27, 2026, gives the parties further opportunity for further negotiations.



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