Court extends Wontumi’s EXIM Bank plea bargain talks to August 27 as new counsel seeks more time

The Accra High Court has extended plea bargain negotiations in the GH¢30 million EXIM Bank fraud case involving New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to August 27 after his new lead counsel requested more time to conclude discussions with prosecutors.

Appearing before the court on Monday, July 27, lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea, who has taken over Wontumi's defence following the withdrawal of Andy Appiah-Kubi, sought an adjournment until October to allow ongoing plea negotiations to be finalised.

However, Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai urged the court to grant a shorter adjournment of 30 days, explaining that negotiations had already reached an advanced stage.