The legal battle involving New Patriotic Party Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has taken another dramatic turn after the Accra High Court adjourned the alleged GH¢30 million EXIM Bank case.

The court postponed proceedings to August 27, 2026, allowing the prosecution and defence additional time to conclude ongoing plea-bargain negotiations. The decision followed a request from Wontumi’s newly appointed lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, who sought more time to engage the Attorney-General’s Office.

Atta Akyea had reportedly requested that the case be adjourned until October. However, the prosecution opposed such a lengthy delay, maintaining that negotiations had already reached an advanced stage and could be completed within a shorter period.

Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai informed the court that Wontumi’s representatives had submitted an offer and that the state had responded with a counteroffer. According to the prosecution, discussions were expected to be concluded earlier but were disrupted by developments in Wontumi’s separate illegal-mining case.

Presiding judge Justice Halima Abdul-Alawa granted the parties one additional month but made it clear that the criminal trial would move forward should the plea negotiations fail to produce an agreement.

The latest adjournment came on the same day that the court was informed of a major change in Wontumi’s legal team. Former lead lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi withdrew his services, allowing Atta Akyea to assume responsibility for the defence of Wontumi and Wontumi Farms Limited. No official reason was publicly given for Appiah-Kubi’s withdrawal.

Wontumi is standing trial alongside Thomas Antwi-Boasiako over allegations that funds were obtained from the Ghana Export-Import Bank through false representations connected to a proposed agricultural project.

The accused persons face charges including defrauding by false pretence, forgery, money laundering and intentionally causing financial loss to a public institution. Wontumi has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

With the August 27 deadline now approaching, attention will be focused on whether both sides can reach a plea agreement or whether the highly watched case will finally proceed to a full trial.