Wontumi Exim Bank case adjourned for plea negotiations

The Accra High Court has postponed the trial of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and two co-accused in a GH¢30 million Exim Bank case. The adjournment, set for July 6, 2026, is to allow for plea negotiations between the defendants and the prosecution.

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the first accused person had elected to exercise his right under the plea bargaining provisions of the law.

Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai informed the court that the first accused intends to exercise his right to plea bargaining under the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) (Amendment) Act. A notice for the commencement of these negotiations was filed on June 11, 2026, indicating the accused's desire to negotiate with the state.

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a notice of commencement of plea negotiations had been filed pursuant to Section 163(3) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) (Amendment) Act on June 11, 2026.

Discussions between the prosecution and the defense counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, have already begun. Both parties agreed to seek a short adjournment to update the court on the progress of these negotiations. Appiah-Kubi did not object to the request, noting that negotiations were underway and suggesting a two-week adjournment.

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the accused person had requested to take advantage of his rights under the legislation to negotiate with the state.

The court granted the adjournment, scheduling the next hearing for 11 a.m. on July 6, 2026. The judge emphasized that the postponement is specifically to enable the parties to finalize their plea negotiations.

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discussions had been held with counsel for the accused earlier in the day and both parties had agreed to seek a short adjournment to commence the negotiations.