Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is facing a fresh set of charges in connection with an alleged financial loss involving the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.
The prosecution on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, filed a new charge sheet after plea negotiations between the state and Wontumi’s legal team failed to produce an agreement.
The case was adjourned to October 13, 2026, following a request from the defence for more time to study the fresh charges, which they said had only been served on them on the morning of the hearing.
Wontumi is expected to have his plea taken afresh when the case resumes.
The new charges include defrauding by false pretences, uttering a forged document, money laundering and causing financial loss to the state.
The allegations relate to the alleged defrauding of Ghana EXIM Bank of more than GH¢14 million, with the prosecution estimating the resulting loss to the state at about GH¢30 million.
Plea negotiations collapse
The latest development follows several months of discussions between the prosecution and Wontumi’s lawyers over a possible plea bargain.
Wontumi was initially arraigned on May 18, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.
His legal team, initially led by Andy Appiah-Kubi and later by Samuel Atta Akyea, subsequently entered into negotiations with the state.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai said on July 27 that the discussions were “far advanced”, but the negotiations eventually broke down without an agreement.
With the plea talks unsuccessful, the prosecution returned to court on Tuesday and sought to withdraw the earlier charge sheet to allow the fresh charges to be filed.
Defence seeks more time
Wontumi’s lawyers objected to proceeding immediately with the new charges, citing the timing of their service on the defence.
The court subsequently granted the adjournment request and fixed October 13 for the case to continue, when Wontumi is expected to enter a fresh plea.
Wontumi is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence following his conviction in a separate case involving illegal mining-related offences.
