The criminal case involving New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has been put on hold after both the prosecution and defence agreed to explore a possible settlement through plea bargaining.
At a hearing before an Accra High Court on Wednesday, lawyers from both sides asked the court for time to continue discussions under Ghana’s plea-negotiation process.
Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai informed the court that the prosecution officially initiated the process by filing a Notice of Commencement of Plea Negotiation on June 11, as required by law.
He noted that talks between the state and the lawyers representing the accused had already begun. Because the discussions are ongoing, both parties requested more time to work toward a possible agreement.
After considering the request, the court adjourned the case and fixed another date for the matter to return to court.
Ghana’s plea bargaining system allows accused persons and prosecutors to negotiate a possible resolution to criminal cases. If they reach an agreement, a judge must review and approve it before it can take effect.
The case centres on financial transactions connected to the Export-Import Bank of Ghana.
State prosecutors accuse Chairman Wontumi and a second defendant of using Wontumi Farms Limited to secure more than GH¢14.3 million through alleged misrepresentation between 2018 and 2022.
They also claim the accused relied on a fake receipt to obtain an extra GH¢4 million facility.
In addition, the prosecution alleges that they knowingly enjoyed benefits derived from criminal proceeds.
Investigators believe the transactions caused the state-owned financial institution to lose over GH¢30 million.
Despite the allegations, the accused persons insist they have done nothing wrong. The court will take further action after the plea negotiations conclude or if both sides fail to reach an agreement.
