By Emmanuel Bamfo 
The high-profile plea bargain attempt involving Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popular known as Chairman Wontumi, has officially collapsed in court. The Accra High Court has ordered full prosecution disclosures after the State rejected his settlement proposal.
The Attorney-General Office found Wontumi’s financial settlement offer completely inadequate for the alleged public losses. The State is insisting on full accountability for the funds taken from the Ghana Export-Import Bank.
Between 2018 and 2022, Wontumi Farms Limited allegedly received over GH¢14.3 million for a massive agricultural project. However, State prosecutors state that no actual farming venture was ever executed on the ground.
Wontumi and his co-accused now face a full trial involving four heavy charges:
- Defrauding by false pretence
- Forgery of official documents
- Money laundering
- Intentionally causing financial loss to a public institution
State investigators also allege that a forged receipt was submitted to secure an additional GH¢4 million credit line. The accused persons maintain their innocence and have pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Under Article 19 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, the accused has the right to a fair trial. The High Court gave the prosecution 14 days to file all legal evidence and documents.
The court set September 22, 2026, for the Case Management Conference. With plea deal options off the table, the full trial will proceed to determine the truth behind the missing millions.
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