Date: August 27, 2026
By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi/ Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada
The criminal case involving Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has officially proceeded to trial after months of unsuccessful plea bargain negotiations with the Attorney-General.
The High Court in Accra ruled that the matter should move into full trial after both the prosecution and defence failed to reach a settlement in the alleged GH¢30 million Exim Bank fraud case.
The decision marks a significant turning point in one of Ghana’s most closely watched financial crime cases, with prosecutors now expected to begin presenting evidence against the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Plea negotiations come to an end
For nearly three months, Wontumi’s legal team had pursued a plea bargain with the Office of the Attorney-General in an attempt to resolve the case without a full criminal trial.
The court had previously granted multiple adjournments to allow both parties to negotiate, including an extension that gave the defence until August 27, 2026, to conclude discussions.
However, when the case was called, no agreement had been reached.
As a result, the court directed the prosecution to proceed with its case, effectively ending hopes of settling the matter through negotiations.
The charges against Wontumi
Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused, Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, are facing charges in connection with the alleged fraudulent acquisition of approximately GH¢30 million from the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank).
The prosecution alleges that the funds were obtained under false pretences through transactions linked to business activities involving the accused persons.
Both Wontumi and his co-accused have pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintain their innocence.
Defence insists plea talks were not an admission of guilt
Throughout the negotiations, Wontumi’s lawyers repeatedly rejected suggestions that seeking a plea bargain amounted to admitting criminal responsibility.
His lead counsel argued that plea discussions are a legitimate legal process available under Ghana’s criminal justice system and should not be interpreted as evidence of guilt.
The defence has consistently maintained that Wontumi is prepared to defend himself before the court if negotiations fail.
Trial expected to begin immediately
With plea negotiations now abandoned, prosecutors are expected to call their first witnesses and present documentary evidence supporting the alleged fraud.
The Attorney-General’s office has indicated that it is ready to proceed with prosecution after the extended negotiation period failed to produce an agreement.
Legal analysts say the trial could involve testimony from officials of Exim Bank, financial investigators and other witnesses connected to the alleged transactions.
A high-profile political and legal battle
The case has attracted enormous public attention because Chairman Wontumi is one of the NPP’s most influential regional executives and a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics.
Beyond its legal implications, the trial is expected to have significant political ramifications as the opposition party continues reorganising ahead of the 2028 general elections.
For now, the courtroom—not the negotiating table—will determine the outcome.
As proceedings begin, Chairman Wontumi remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty by the court, while prosecutors face the task of proving the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
