The state has refiled criminal charges against Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following the collapse of plea negotiations between the prosecution and his legal team. Wontumi is accused of being involved in the misappropriation of funds belonging to Ghana Exim Bank and causing a significant financial loss to the state.
According to reports, Wontumi's alleged misdeeds involve more than GH¢14 million in funds belonging to Ghana Exim Bank and an alleged financial loss to the state estimated at GH¢30 million. The fresh charges filed on September 22, 2026, include defrauding by false pretences, uttering a forged document, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
Wontumi was first arraigned on May 18, 2026. His legal team, initially led by Andy Appiah Kubi and later by Samuel Atta Akyea, had entered into plea discussions with the state. Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai had indicated that the negotiations were “far advanced” on July 27. However, the discussions did not result in an agreement, prompting the prosecution to file a fresh charge sheet.
During proceedings on September 22, state prosecutors applied to withdraw the previous charge sheet to allow the new charges to be filed. Wontumi’s lawyers, however, requested an adjournment, arguing that the new charge sheet had only been served on them that morning. The court subsequently adjourned the case to October 13.
The fresh charges mean Wontumi will now face the allegations under the new charge sheet as the case proceeds. The allegations against him have not been determined by the court. Wontumi's case has garnered significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the accusations and the large sums of money involved.
The case has seen several developments, including changes in Wontumi's legal representation and prolonged plea negotiations. The fact that the negotiations did not result in an agreement has led to the current situation, where Wontumi faces a new set of charges. The court's decision to adjourn the case to October 13 will give Wontumi's lawyers time to review the new charge sheet.
Key points in the case include the allegations of misappropriation of GH¢14 million from Ghana Exim Bank and the estimated GH¢30 million financial loss to the state. Wontumi's case highlights issues of accountability and financial management in Ghana. The case is set to continue on October 13, where the court will further consider the new charges against Wontumi.
Key points
- The state has refiled criminal charges against former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, following the collapse of plea negotiations.
- Wontumi faces allegations involving more than GH¢14 million in funds belonging to Ghana Exim Bank and an alleged financial loss to the state estimated at GH¢30 million.
- The fresh charges include defrauding by false pretences, uttering a forged document, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
