State ordered to file disclosures in Wontumi EXIM Bank case
The order was made on Thursday after the prosecution informed the court that negotiations between the parties had not produced an agreement.
The EXIM Bank fraud case involving Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is set to move toward case management after plea-bargaining talks failed for a second time.
The Accra High Court has ordered the State to file its disclosures within 14 days.
The order was made on Thursday after the prosecution informed the court that negotiations between the parties had not produced an agreement.
Principal State Attorney Reverend Joshua Sackey told the court that the plea-bargaining process had broken down.
“We have not been able to reach an agreement in the plea bargaining. We seek the direction of the court to file our disclosures,” he said.
Counsel for Wontumi, Samuel Atta Akyea, said he understood that plea bargaining could still be pursued at any stage of the proceedings.
He added that the continuation of the case would not necessarily prevent the parties from returning to negotiations.
“The continuation of the case did not stop them from the plea bargaining,” he said.
The trial judge, however, noted that attempts at plea bargaining had failed twice and that the 30-day period allowed for the process had elapsed.
The court therefore directed the prosecution to file its disclosures to allow the case to proceed to a Case Management Conference.
The CMC has been fixed for September 22, 2026.
The matter was adjourned to that date in the absence of Wontumi, a former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party.
Wontumi is accused of obtaining a GH¢19 million loan facility from EXIM Bank for a maize farming project on 100 acres of land.
The prosecution alleges that the project was not carried out.
It further claims that documents were presented in support of the purchase of agricultural machinery valued at GH¢4 million.
According to the prosecution, the loan facility later rose to about GH¢30 million.
Wontumi and his farm are alleged to have committed the offences with an associate, Thomas Antwi Boasiako, who is currently at large.
Wontumi, who is currently serving a prison sentence in a separate matter, has denied the charges.
