Court adjourns Wontumi galamsey case to July 6 for plea bargain discussions

An Accra High Court has postponed proceedings in the case involving Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to July 6, 2026, to allow ongoing plea bargain discussions between the parties.

Chairman Wontumi is facing allegations of causing a financial loss of GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank.

Addressing journalists after the court sitting, lead counsel for the accused, Andy Appiah-Kubi, disclosed that both the Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, and the defence team jointly requested the adjournment following the commencement of plea negotiations.

He explained that the law provides a 30-day period for plea bargain discussions, making it necessary for the court to grant additional time for the parties to explore a possible settlement.

According to Mr. Appiah-Kubi, the parties are expected to return to court on July 6 to brief the judge on the progress of the negotiations and indicate whether any outstanding matters remain before a formal plea agreement can be submitted.

“We are very hopeful that by the time we come to the court on the 6th, we will have made some progress and inform the court of what issues are left outstanding for us to clear and to file our plea agreement in the court,” he said.

The lawyer expressed confidence that the discussions could yield positive results, noting that the attitude of both the prosecution and the defence suggests that an agreement may be reached within a short period.

He added that a successful conclusion of the negotiations could pave the way for the filing of a plea agreement and the resolution of the matter.

Mr. Appiah-Kubi also expressed appreciation to party supporters and sympathisers who attended the court proceedings and encouraged them to remain supportive as the case resumes next month.

The matter has therefore been adjourned to July 6, 2026, pending the outcome of the plea bargain process.