Several senior figures of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) have arrived at the General Jurisdiction Division of the Accra High Court as proceedings resume in the plea negotiation hearing involving the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Among those present are former NPP National Chairman Freddie Blay, the party’s Director of Communications Richard Ahiagbah, Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Akuapem North MP Sammy Awuku, former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and spokesperson for the NPP flagbearer Dennis Miracles Aboagye.
The case relates to the alleged fraudulent acquisition of a GH¢14 million facility from the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank, which prosecutors say has increased to GH¢30 million due to accrued interest.
Chairman Wontumi is seeking a plea agreement with the prosecution. The outcome of the hearing is expected to determine whether the case proceeds to a full trial or is resolved through a negotiated settlement, subject to the approval of the court.
The hearing has drawn significant public and political attention, coming days after Chairman Wontumi was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment in a separate case involving illegal mining.
