The High Court in Accra has given the prosecution and lawyers for Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, 30 days to conclude plea bargain discussions in the alleged GH¢30 million EXIM Bank fraud case.
The court granted the request after both parties informed the judge that negotiations had made progress. The case has been adjourned to August 27, 2026, for an update.
The prosecution told the court that plea discussions between the State and the defence were ongoing. According to the prosecution, both sides had exchanged proposals during the negotiations.
The court accepted the request for additional time to allow the process to continue.
Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea appeared in court as Chairman Wontumi’s new lead counsel. He replaces Andy Appiah-Kubi, who had previously represented the accused. The change in legal representation was noted during the court proceedings.
The case relates to allegations that Chairman Wontumi and others caused financial loss exceeding GH¢30 million to the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank. The prosecution continues to pursue the charges before the High Court.
Chairman Wontumi has pleaded not guilty. The allegations remain unproven unless the court decides otherwise.
A plea bargain is a legal process that allows the prosecution and an accused person to negotiate a possible resolution before a full trial concludes.
Any proposed agreement must satisfy legal requirements and receive approval from the court.
The process does not amount to a finding of guilt unless accepted and approved through the appropriate legal procedures.
The High Court is expected to review the outcome of the negotiations when the case returns on August 27.
If the parties reach an agreement, the court will determine whether it complies with the law. If no agreement is reached, the criminal trial is expected to continue through the normal judicial process.
The EXIM Bank matter remains an active case before the High Court.
Legal experts continue to stress that the courts alone will determine the outcome based on the evidence presented and Ghanaian law.
