NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako seeks plea bargain in EXIM Bank fraud case
via GhanaWeb3 min read
Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party NPP, has requested a plea bargain in the EXIM Bank fraud case. A court filing from the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, dated June 11, 2026, confirms that Wontumi, through his lawyer Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, wrote to the Attorney General on June 5, 2026, to initiate plea negotiations. The document, signed by Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai, states that the 1st accused person officially requested plea discussions. The accused persons in the case, docketed as CR/0529/2026 before the High Court of Justice in Accra, are Bernard Antwi-Boasiako 1st accused, Thomas Antwi-Boasiako 2nd accused, at large, and Wontumi Farms Limited 3rd accused. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, revealed in December 2025 that investigations into the Wontumi Farms loan arrangement found that Bernard Antwi-Boasiako failed to purchase equipment required by the facility, despite funds being disbursed. The loan agreement stipulated that all equipment purchased with the funds should be registered jointly in the names of Exim Bank and Wontumi Farms Limited, but no such equipment was acquired. Investigators established that receipts submitted by Chairman Wontumi under Wontumi Farms to Exim Bank for alleged purchases were forged. The Attorney General stated that Wontumi Farms and its directors would be prosecuted for defrauding
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Must ReadAndy Appiah-Kubi, lawyer for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, has clarified the charges against his client in the EXIM Bank fraud case. He confirmed that an application for plea bargaining has been filed with the Attorney General. The charges before the Accra High Court are defrauding by false witnesses, contrary to Section 131, and altering a false document, contrary to Section 169. The lawyer stated that the legal team has formally applied for plea bargaining, a legal option available to accused persons. He emphasized that the proposal has been submitted to the Attorney General, who is expected to arrange a meeting with all parties to discuss the application's details. The lawyer noted that he is not at liberty to discuss the terms of the plea bargain, as it is for the Attorney General to review and conclude the meetings. He also corrected a misconception, stating that the charges do not involve obtaining a loan from a United States court, but rather relate to the late submission of two documents.
Solomon Owusu, Communications Director of the United Party and Pan-African activist, has urged United States authorities to extradite former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to Ghana to address allegations of financial misconduct. Owusu also insisted that former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre MASLOC, Madam Sedinam Tamakloe Attionu, should serve her 10-year prison sentence in Ghana without political interference. Speaking on TV3’s New Day Show, Owusu stated that Tamakloe's conviction and sentencing demonstrate that public officials can be held accountable for misusing state funds, regardless of political affiliation. He argued that the law must take its course and that the United States should not be a haven for African officials accused of corruption. Owusu claimed that while the MASLOC case involved significant funds, allegations surrounding financial transactions under the previous administration involved much larger sums, warranting equal attention. He cited public debates on the National Cathedral project, the ambulance procurement controversy, and alleged tax revenue discrepancies. Owusu emphasized that corruption is an individual responsibility, not a political party issue, and that funds lost to corruption could have been invested in critical sectors like energy, education, and job creation. He added that Tamakloe's imprisonment has undermined attempts to politicize her case ahead of the 2028 general election. Owusu called on anti-cor
The National Association of Institutional Suppliers NAIS plans to picket the Ministry of Education on Thursday, June 11, 2026, despite recent assurances from government officials regarding outstanding payments. NAIS is demanding the payment of nearly GH¢50 million owed for school uniforms, house dresses, and other clothing supplied to public senior high schools under the Free Senior High School Free SHS program. The decision to proceed with the demonstration follows a meeting with the Free SHS Secretariat on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, which concluded without a clear payment timeline. NAIS President Emmanuel Ayivor stated that members have heard similar assurances before but remain unpaid, with some suppliers reporting business disruptions and financial hardship due to the prolonged delays. The association hopes the picket will highlight their challenges and pressure authorities to release the funds.