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Court grants extension for plea bargain in Wontumi's EXIM Bank case
via GhanaWeb5 min read
The Accra High Court has granted an extension for plea negotiations in the Ghana Export-Import EXIM Bank case involving Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party NPP. The court adjourned proceedings to July 27, 2026, to allow more time for discussions between the defense and the Attorney General鈥檚 Department. Wontumi and others face charges related to an alleged scheme that caused financial loss to the EXIM Bank, ranging from approximately GH垄14.3 million to GH垄30 million, through actions including presenting a forged receipt, fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to a public institution. Wontumi's legal team, led by lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, initiated the plea-bargaining process, which could involve a guilty plea in exchange for reduced charges, repayment with interest, or other terms. Wontumi, Wontumi Farms Limited, and Thomas Antwi-Boasiako previously pleaded not guilty to the charges on May 18, 2026.
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The Ghana Tourism Authority GTA has launched the 'Blue Ghana Initiative' to address plastic pollution and protect Ghana's coastline. This campaign aims to mobilize citizens, businesses, and institutions for better waste management and environmental conservation, following the devastating floods in Accra on June 29, 2026, which were exacerbated by poor waste disposal. Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto, emphasized that Ghana's beaches are vital tourist attractions and national treasures, stating that the country's waste problem begins before rubbish reaches the sea. The initiative calls on manufacturers of plastic-packaged products to support recycling and improved waste management. The GTA also plans to establish the Blue Ghana Foundation to secure financial and material support for beach conservation and environmental education. Houadjeto stressed that protecting Ghana's coastline requires a collective effort from all Ghanaians and institutions.
Must ReadGhana and Rwanda have jointly unveiled two permanent monuments at Burma Camp in Accra to honor victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the role of Ghanaian peacekeepers. The monuments, constructed by the government of Rwanda, were unveiled on July 6, 2026, by Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Rwanda's Minister of Justice, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja. The ministers also laid wreaths for the over one million lives lost. Ablakwa stated that the monuments recognize the bravery and sacrifice of Ghanaian peacekeepers who served under the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda UNAMIR. He commended Rwanda for constructing these symbols of appreciation for the Ghana Armed Forces' efforts to protect Rwandan lives, particularly those led by Major General Henry Kwami Anyidoho, who remained when other international forces withdrew. Ablakwa also praised the decision of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings' administration to keep Ghanaian troops in Rwanda during the genocide. He noted that Major General Anyidoho had previously received Rwanda's highest national award for bravery from President Paul Kagame. Ablakwa expressed hope that the monuments would serve as a lasting reminder to reject hatred and division.
Benjamin Anani Quashie, Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, has addressed discrepancies surrounding the killing of a Ghanaian national in South Africa. Speaking on July 4, 2026, Quashie stated that the deceased's correct name is Bashiru Isak, a 40-year-old tailor, contradicting an initial report by the South African Police Service SAPS that identified the victim as Kwabena Boakye, 35. The High Commission challenged the police's initial report, leading to their confirmation of the error, though the official case file has not yet been updated. Quashie also clarified that the incident occurred in Khayelitsha, with Nyanga being a town within that area, resolving a perceived contradiction in location reports. He noted challenges in gathering information due to fear among Ghanaians in Cape Town, who are often on edge due to frequent violent crimes. The High Commissioner also expressed concern over ongoing anti-immigration demonstrations in Pretoria, which have led to the closure of many Ghanaian-owned businesses. He urged the South African government to ensure security during these protests. Bashiru Isak was shot dead on June 30, 2026, during anti-immigrant protests targeting foreign nationals, and Ghana has called for a full investigation and prosecution of those responsible.