State prosecutors have filed a fresh charge sheet against former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in connection with the alleged GH¢30 million loan fraud case involving the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank. The case was adjourned to 13 October 2026, after Wontumi's lawyers requested more time, noting that the new charge sheet had only been served on the morning of Tuesday's hearing.
Wontumi was originally charged with defrauding by false pretences, uttering a forged document, causing financial loss to a public body, and money laundering. He pleaded not guilty when first arraigned but later attempted to negotiate a plea bargain with the state, a move that ultimately collapsed. The former Ashanti Regional Chairman is currently serving a 20-year jail term after being convicted on illegal mining-related offences.
The refiling follows the breakdown of plea negotiations between the defence and the prosecution. Wontumi's legal team — initially led by Andy Appiah-Kubi and later by Samuel Atta Akyea — had engaged the state in plea discussions after his initial arraignment on 18 May 2026. Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, said on 27 July 2026 that the talks were "far advanced," but the two sides ultimately failed to reach an agreement.
As a result, the prosecution refiled the charges on 22 September 2026. The fresh charge sheet includes defrauding by false pretences, uttering a forged document, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state, over the alleged defrauding of Ghana EXIM Bank of more than GH¢14 million and an estimated GH¢30 million loss to the state.
In court on Tuesday, September 22, state prosecutors applied to withdraw the old charge sheet to pave the way for the new one. Wontumi's lawyers, however, asked for an adjournment, citing the late service of the fresh charges. The presiding judge granted the request, adjourning the case to 13 October 2026, when Wontumi is expected to take his plea afresh on the new charges.
Chairman Wontumi's case has garnered significant attention due to his prominent position in the NPP and the severity of the allegations. The case is set to continue on October 13, 2026, with Wontumi's plea being retaken on the fresh charges. The NPP has not made any official statements regarding the case, but it is expected that the party will be monitoring the situation closely.
The GH¢30 million EXIM Bank fraud case is one of several high-profile cases involving prominent Ghanaian politicians and business figures. The case has been ongoing since Wontumi's initial arraignment in May 2026, and its outcome is expected to have significant implications for the country's anti-corruption efforts and the NPP.
Key points
- Chairman Wontumi faces fresh charges in the GH¢30 million EXIM Bank fraud case.
- The case has been adjourned to October 13, 2026, for Wontumi's plea to be retaken.
- Wontumi is currently serving a 20-year jail term for illegal mining-related offences.
