Wontumi's EXIM Bank case adjourned as plea talks continue

The High Court has adjourned the EXIM Bank case involving NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to July 27 as plea negotiations with prosecutors continue.

The High Court in Accra has adjourned the criminal case involving the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, until July 27 to allow plea negotiations between the prosecution and the defence to continue.

The adjournment followed submissions by both parties on Monday that discussions aimed at resolving the case were still ongoing.

Mr Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is facing multiple charges linked to a loan obtained from the Ghana Export-Import Bank.

According to prosecutors, between 2018 and 2022, Mr Antwi-Boasiako and Thomas Antwi-Boasiako allegedly obtained H¢14.3 million from the bank under false pretences through Wontumi Farms Limited.

The prosecution further alleges that Mr Antwi-Boasiako submitted a forged receipt to EXIM Bank in support of an application for an additional GH¢4 million loan facility.

He is also charged with money laundering, with prosecutors alleging that he knowingly benefited from funds obtained through fraudulent means.

The state further claims that the transactions caused financial losses of more than GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank.

Mr Antwi-Boasiako and his co-accused have not yet entered pleas to the charges. Instead, their legal team has requested plea negotiations with the prosecution.

When the case was called on Monday for an update, prosecutors told the court that the negotiations had not yet concluded.

The court subsequently adjourned proceedings to July 27, when it is expected to receive an update on the outcome of the discussions.