Wontumi's lawyer clarifies EXIM Bank fraud charges and confirms plea bargain application
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Andy 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.
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Private legal practitioner Andy Appiah-Kubi stated that Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party NPP, knew he would be convicted before the Accra High Court delivered its judgment in the Samreboi illegal mining case. Appiah-Kubi, who previously represented Wontumi, said Wontumi informed him of the expected 20-year jail sentence prior to the ruling. Despite the conviction, Appiah-Kubi believes the court's decision was flawed, arguing it incorrectly treated Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining as the same legal entity, which he claims is contrary to company law. He stated that this legal distinction will be a key ground for appeal. Wontumi was sentenced on July 20, 2026, to 20 years' imprisonment with hard labour for illegal mining-related offenses, and his legal team plans to appeal the conviction and sentence.