Ghana's Chairman Wontumi faces plea‑bargain push and lawyer withdrawal dispute

Constitutional‑rights activist Osagyefo Oliver Barker‑Vormawor urged Ghana’s Attorney‑General to accept a plea‑bargain proposed by Bernard Antwi‑Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, in the case alleging fraud of GH¢14.3 million from the Ghana Export‑Import Bank, forged documents and total losses exceeding GH¢30 million. He said any agreement should require full recovery of the funds and a substantial financial penalty.

The state, represented by Deputy Attorney‑General Dr Justice Srem‑Sai, filed an objection to defence lawyer Andy Appiah‑Kubi’s request to quit representing Wontumi in the illegal‑mining trial, citing jurisdiction and standing issues. The High Court will hear both the withdrawal motion and the objection on 16 June, with a judgment in the mining case due on 3 July. Prosecutors also allege the accused mined illegally in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.