The High Court in Accra has postponed the EXIM Bank case involving Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman commonly referred to as Chairman Wontumi, to July 27 to facilitate ongoing plea negotiations between the involved parties.
This adjournment occurred after both the prosecution and the defense appeared before the court, indicating that discussions were still in progress. Chairman Wontumi faces charges of allegedly securing a GH¢14 million loan under false pretenses for a farming initiative.
The prosecution asserts that from 2018 to 2022, Chairman Wontumi and Thomas Antwi-Boasiako deceitfully acquired GH¢14.3 million from EXIM Bank under false pretenses, utilizing Wontumi Farms Limited as the means for this transaction.
Additionally, the charge sheet claims that Chairman Wontumi submitted a forged receipt to EXIM Bank officials to substantiate a request for an extra GH¢4 million facility.
He is also accused of knowingly profiting from funds that were allegedly obtained through fraudulent activities, which forms the basis for a money laundering charge. Moreover, the prosecution contends that the accused individuals caused financial losses exceeding GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank as a result of these transactions.
The accused, through their legal representatives, have sought to engage in plea negotiations.
When the case was brought before the court on Monday, July 6, for an update regarding the negotiations, the prosecution informed the court that discussions were still ongoing. Consequently, the court adjourned the case to July 27.
