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No plea agreement yet in Chairman Wontumi's Exim Bank trial
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, announced that no plea agreement has been reached in the criminal case involving New Patriotic Party Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, and two others. The statutory 30-day period for concluding plea bargain negotiations in the case is set to expire next week. Dr Srem-Sai confirmed this on his Facebook page on Saturday, July 18, 2026, stating that despite the ongoing process, an agreement has not been finalized. He did not provide further details on the negotiations or the next steps if no agreement is reached by the deadline. Wontumi and two others face charges related to an alleged scheme that caused significant financial loss to the Ghana Export-Import Bank. Court documents indicate the accused are alleged to have defrauded the bank of approximately GH¢14.3 million to GH¢30 million through actions including presenting a forged receipt, fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to a public institution. Wontumi's legal team initiated the plea-bargaining process, which was formally communicated to the court in June 2026. Both parties sought time to explore a potential settlement under Ghana's plea-bargaining framework. Wontumi, Wontumi Farms Limited, and Thomas Antwi-Boasiako have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case stems from events around 2018 involving a loan or facility from EXIM Bank. The court had previously adjourned the matter to allo
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Must ReadA video circulating on social media has highlighted concerns about textile waste, showing large quantities of discarded second-hand clothing washing up along the Atlantic coastline. The footage, shared by SIKAOFFICIAL on X, depicts piles of used garments on the shoreline, with waves bringing in more textile waste. The post was captioned, "Disturbing footage captures tonnes of discarded second-hand clothes, imported into the country for trade, washing up along the Atlantic coastline and highlighting the global challenge of textile waste." This video has generated significant online reactions, with many social media users expressing worry about the environmental impact of Ghana's second-hand clothing trade, known as 'obroni wawu'. Some users attributed the problem to inadequate waste management, while others advocated for stricter regulation of textile imports and better recycling systems for unsellable clothing. Ghana is a major importer of second-hand clothing, receiving bales from Europe, North America, and Asia. Although the trade supports many jobs, environmental advocates have consistently warned that a large portion of imported clothing is of poor quality and ends up in landfills, drains, and water bodies. This recent footage has intensified calls for authorities to address the increasing textile waste, which campaigners state threatens marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and public health. The precise location of the video has not been independently verified.
Retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba has criticized politicians for becoming inaccessible to the public after winning elections. Speaking at an event on July 18, 2026, Justice Atuguba observed that politicians are readily available to voters during campaigns, engaging in daily activities and presenting themselves as ordinary citizens to gain trust. However, he noted that once election results are announced and they assume office, they become difficult to reach, often not answering calls. Justice Atuguba questioned this change in behavior, stating, "What kind of life is this? Just a day before, we're all one. Today, victory has come, you have no… I mean, is that how it should be?" He emphasized that the relationship between politicians and the people should not end after elections, and public office holders must remain available to the citizens they serve.
Marvin Walker, a Ghanaian living abroad, claims he was wrongfully arrested and imprisoned in Ghana after declining to give money to a police officer. In a video, Walker recounted that the officer allegedly fabricated charges against him when he refused the demands. Despite court officials reportedly stating the officer's claims were untrue, Walker was remanded into custody. He credits his background as a US Marine and his brother being an FBI agent, along with local assistance and external calls, for his eventual release by the judge. Walker stated that he had been investing significantly in Ghana and encouraging other diasporans to return, expressing disappointment over the ordeal. After his release, he reported the incident through his lawyer to the Police Intelligence and Professional Standards Bureau PIPS, but claims no action has been taken against the officer. GhanaWeb has not independently verified the claims or the circumstances surrounding the incident, and there has been no official response from the Ghana Police Service.