Els: MBN360 News
The Accra High Court has given the Attorney General’s Office and counsel for Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, additional time to report on ongoing plea bargain discussions in a major fraud trial. The court directed both sides to return on July 6, 2026 to update the judge on the status of negotiations.
The matter forms part of proceedings in which the accused faces allegations connected to financial transactions involving Wontumi Farms Limited. Court records indicate that the company was incorporated on December 14, 2017 to engage in farming and agricultural processing activities.
Prosecutors outlined that in January 2018, the accused person sought a GH¢19 million facility from the Ghana Export Import Bank to finance an agricultural project. The application reportedly included claims that the company had secured a 100,000 acre land parcel for large scale farming operations.
Further details presented to the court suggest that supporting documents, including a board resolution and project proposal, predated the official incorporation of the company. Investigators allege this inconsistency formed part of the basis of the fraud claims under review.
Additionally, prosecution asserts that between 2018 and 2022, funds amounting to GH¢14,302,000 were obtained under false pretences through the company. Allegations also include claims that a forged receipt was submitted to secure an additional GH¢4 million facility from the bank.
Authorities further contend that significant portions of the funds were redirected into unrelated personal and business activities. Recovery efforts by the financial institution are reported to have yielded limited success, with total alleged losses exceeding GH¢30 million.
In court proceedings, the Attorney General’s Office confirmed receipt of a formal request indicating intention to pursue plea negotiations. The filing, presented on June 11, 2026, followed correspondence dated June 5, 2026 from the defence team.
The accused was arrested following investigations initiated by the Economic and Organised Crime Office in March 2025. He was subsequently charged on May 14, 2026 after caution statements were taken.
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Chairman Wontumi has been charged with defrauding by false pretences, money laundering, uttering forged documents and causing financial loss to a public body. He has entered a not guilty plea on all counts and is currently standing trial alongside Wontumi Farms Limited and another accused person who remains at large.
Plea Bargain Framework Determines Next Phase Of Trial
Court proceedings have highlighted the legal framework guiding plea bargain discussions in the ongoing trial involving Chairman Wontumi and co-accused parties. The process is being conducted under Section 162C of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) (Amendment) Act, 2022, which allows negotiated settlements subject to judicial approval.
Under this arrangement, an accused person may admit to lesser charges in exchange for reduced sentencing, subject to agreement by the Attorney General and endorsement by the court. Considerations include evidential strength, restitution prospects and public interest implications.
In submissions before the Accra High Court, lawyers for the accused formally communicated interest in pursuing such an arrangement. The request was captured in correspondence dated June 5, 2026 and subsequently filed with the court on June 11, 2026.
The Attorney General’s Office confirmed awareness of the development, noting that discussions remain ongoing between both parties. The court was informed that progress reports will be necessary before any determination on settlement or continuation of trial proceedings.
Judicial directions require both prosecution and defence to return on July 6, 2026 for a status update. The court is expected to assess whether negotiations have reached a conclusive stage or whether full trial proceedings should resume.
Meanwhile, investigative findings presented in court continue to underpin the prosecution’s case regarding alleged financial irregularities. Authorities maintain that transactions under review involved multiple layers of documentation that are now subject to legal scrutiny.
The case also includes a co-accused individual, Thomas Antwi-Bosiako who remains at large and is being sought by law enforcement agencies.
