Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, has initiated plea negotiations in an alleged GHS 14.3 million loan fraud case. The Ghana Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) is involved in this case, currently before the Accra High Court.
Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah emphasized that this decision by Wontumi’s legal team is a technical legal strategy. It does not mean Chairman Wontumi admits guilt in the alleged GHS 14.3 million loan fraud. The plea bargaining framework ensures the presumption of innocence throughout the process.
The move fits into Ghana’s broader efforts to streamline its criminal justice system through plea bargaining. This mechanism allows for negotiated resolutions, potentially reducing court backlogs and ensuring quicker case finality. Data from the Attorney-General's office show an increase in plea bargain applications since new amendments to Act 30.
Mr. Awuah, who also serves as Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Subsidiary Legislation Committee, explained the strategic nature of the negotiations. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, he stated that both prosecution and defence teams make choices. He suggested Wontumi's defence team considered the many ongoing cases against their client. This led them to view plea negotiations as a practical way to manage the legal workload.
The plea negotiations began after a letter dated June 5, 2026, from Mr. Wontumi’s counsel, Mr. Andy Appiah-Kubi, to the Attorney-General. Subsequently, on June 11, 2026, the Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, filed a Notification of Commencement of Plea Negotiation with the High Court. This action relies on Section 162C(3) of Act 30. This section governs plea bargaining procedures in Ghana.
The implications of this development are significant for high-profile financial cases in Ghana. The outcome of these negotiations will demonstrate the effectiveness and fairness of Ghana’s plea bargaining system. It will also signal how authorities manage alleged economic crimes involving prominent figures. Decision-makers and the public will watch closely to see if the process leads to a resolution that recovers public funds and upholds justice.
Should the negotiations fail, Chairman Wontumi retains the right to proceed to a full trial. This highlights that plea bargaining remains a voluntary legal mechanism. It does not automatically imply culpability, reinforcing constitutional protections for accused persons. This case may set a precedent for managing similar complex financial fraud cases in Ghana.