Dr. Nana Yaw Adutwum, Head of Research for the United Party, has urged the government to focus on recovering public funds allegedly lost in the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) case involving New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue, Dr. Adutwum argued that the plea bargain reportedly being pursued by Wontumi presents an opportunity for the state to recoup resources that could be redirected towards national development.
According to him, the recovery of funds should be a key consideration in the ongoing legal proceedings, particularly given the challenges the state has faced in retrieving monies involved in some previous high-profile cases.
“The state must prioritise getting its resources back so that it can be plugged into the development of our country. The plea bargain is a more strategic approach to leveraging the resources we have lost,” he stated.
Dr. Adutwum indicated that he had been informed that the NPP chairman was prepared to repay the loan together with additional compensation, a proposal he believes deserves serious consideration.
However, he clarified that his support for a plea agreement should not be interpreted as a call for leniency regarding punishment, stressing that sentencing decisions remain solely within the authority of the Attorney-General and the courts.
His comments come after the Accra High Court was notified that Chairman Wontumi is seeking a plea bargain in the criminal case brought against him by the Attorney-General.
The case involves allegations that Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, alongside Thomas Antwi-Boasiako and Wontumi Farms Limited, fraudulently obtained more than GH¢14 million from EXIM Bank between 2018 and 2022 through false representations.
Prosecutors further allege that a forged receipt was presented to support the acquisition of an additional GH¢4 million facility and that the accused benefited from funds obtained through the alleged scheme.
The prosecution maintains that the transactions resulted in financial losses exceeding GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank.
The plea bargain request is currently under review as legal proceedings continue, with the court expected to determine the next steps under the applicable legal framework.
