The prosecution has filed fresh charges against Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He is accused of playing a role in defrauding Ghana Exim Bank of over GH¢14 million and causing an estimated GH¢30 million financial loss to the state.
The move comes after plea negotiations between his defence and the state broke down. Wontumi’s lawyers first Andy Appiah Kubi and later Samuel Atta Akyea had held discussions with prosecutors following his initial arraignment on 18 May 2026.
Although Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai said on 27 July 2026 that the talks were “far advanced,” no deal was reached.
Prosecutors therefore refiled the charges on 22 September 2026. The new counts include defrauding by false pretences, uttering a forged document, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
In court on Tuesday, the state applied to withdraw the original charge sheet to make way for the updated one. Wontumi’s legal team asked for more time, noting that the new charge sheet had only been served that morning. The case was adjourned to 13 October.
