Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, is seeking a plea agreement with the Office of the Attorney General in a criminal case involving allegations of fraud and financial loss exceeding GH¢30 million to the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank).
The development was disclosed to the High Court in Accra by state prosecutors, who indicated that discussions are underway between the defence team and the Attorney General’s Department to explore a possible settlement of the matter. As a result, the court was informed that both sides may require additional time to conclude the negotiations.
Wontumi is standing trial alongside Wontumi Farms Limited and another accused person, Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, over allegations that they fraudulently obtained funds from EXIM Bank under the guise of establishing a large-scale agricultural project. Prosecutors claim the accused secured more than GH¢14 million from the bank through false representations and later caused losses estimated at over GH¢30 million.
The charges before the court include defrauding by false pretence, forgery-related offences, money laundering, and causing financial loss to a public institution. The prosecution alleges that some documents submitted in support of the loan application contained false information and that portions of the funds were diverted from their intended purpose.
Wontumi has denied all allegations and previously entered a not guilty plea when he first appeared before the court. He was subsequently granted bail while the case proceeds.
The High Court is expected to receive an update on the status of the plea negotiations at its next sitting, which could determine whether the case proceeds to a full trial or is resolved through an agreement between the parties.