Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has reportedly initiated plea negotiation discussions with the Office of the Attorney-General in his ongoing criminal trial involving an alleged GH¢14.3 million loan fraud case linked to the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank).

The development was disclosed in a Notification of Commencement of Plea Negotiation filed at the Accra High Court on Thursday, June 11, 2026, under Docket No. CR/0529/2026 by the Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai.

Court documents indicate that Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, wrote to the Attorney-General on June 5, 2026, formally requesting the start of plea discussions regarding the charges in the case. The filing was made under Section 162C(3) of Act 30, which governs plea bargaining procedures within Ghana’s criminal justice system.

The accused persons in the case include Bernard Antwi-Boasiako as the first accused, Thomas Antwi-Boasiako—who is currently at large—as the second accused, and Wontumi Farms Limited as the third accused entity.

They are facing four charges, including defrauding by false pretences, forgery of documents, money laundering, and causing financial loss to a public institution.

Prosecutors allege that in 2018, Wontumi Farms Limited obtained about GH¢14.3 million from Exim Bank under the pretext of establishing a large-scale agricultural project. The company is said to have applied for a GH¢19 million facility, presenting documents indicating it had acquired 100,000 acres of land for the venture.

The prosecution further claims that a board resolution submitted in support of the application contained inconsistencies, including a date referencing a resolution allegedly passed before the company was officially incorporated in December 2017.

According to the charge sheet dated May 15, 2026, although funds were disbursed, no evidence of farming activity, equipment acquisition, or employment of workers has been established. Investigators also allege that documentation provided as proof of procurement for farm machinery was falsified.

Count four of the charges accuses the defendants of intentionally causing financial loss exceeding GH¢30 million to Exim Bank, with portions of the funds allegedly diverted for personal use and unrelated business activities.

Chairman Wontumi pleaded not guilty to all charges when he first appeared in court on May 18, 2026. The case has been adjourned to June 18, 2026, for a Case Management Conference.

In a separate matter, Wontumi, Akonta Mining Limited, and director Kwame Antwi are also standing trial at the Accra High Court over alleged illegal mining activities at Samreboi, with judgment expected on July 3, 2026.

The Attorney-General’s office has not issued any public comment beyond the court filings. Further proceedings in the Exim Bank case are expected when the matter returns to court on June 18, 2026.