Wontumi Opts for Legal Resolution in EXIM Bank Matter, Cites Agricultural Risks and Rule of Law

Story by Fada Amakye

Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, has opted for plea negotiations with the State to resolve an outstanding EXIM Bank facility matter, with his campaign team saying the move reflects commitment to the rule of law rather than an admission of wrongdoing.

In a statement signed by Ewuradjoa Coleman, Director of Media & Communications for the Wontumi Campaign, the team said the facility was obtained to support a large-scale agricultural enterprise aimed at contributing to Ghana’s food security, employment creation, and agricultural development.

This was not a speculative venture or a paper project. Chairman Wontumi’s commitment to agriculture has long been a matter of public record,” the statement said.

The statement referenced Wontumi’s 2018 recognition at the 34th National Farmers’ Day celebration, where his enterprise was adjudged Ashanti Regional Best Farmer, First Runner-Up. His 10,000-acre maize farm in the Sekyere Central District was cited by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture as a significant contribution to national agricultural production.

The award was a testament to the scale, seriousness, and legitimacy of the investment,” Coleman wrote.

The campaign team noted that large-scale agriculture, like other ventures, faces operational and environmental risks that can affect returns and repayment timelines.

“Market fluctuations, climatic conditions, production challenges, and other unforeseen factors can substantially affect projected returns and the ability to meet financial obligations within anticipated timelines,” the statement said.

Explaining the decision to enter plea negotiations, the statement said Wontumi chose “constructive engagement and lawful resolution” over prolonged legal confrontation.

His decision reflects a commitment to rule of law, transparency, and the efficient resolution of outstanding matters, it said.

The team emphasized that plea negotiations are a lawful mechanism under Ghanaian law and “are not, in themselves, proof of guilt or wrongdoing.” It added that the law expressly provides avenues for parties to negotiate settlements, including arrangements that may lead to withdrawal of charges where appropriate.

Chairman Wontumi’s decision should therefore be viewed as a responsible effort to resolve a commercial and legal matter within the framework of the law while allowing all parties to avoid unnecessary and protracted litigation,” the statement said.

At a time when public confidence in institutions depends on respect for due process, the statement urged the public not to mischaracterize legal procedures for political convenience.

Seeking a lawful resolution is not an act of evasion; it is an act of responsibility,” Coleman said.

The statement concluded that Wontumi remains committed to fulfilling his obligations, respecting Ghana’s laws, and continuing contributions to national development, agriculture and public service.

Responsible leadership is demonstrated not by the absence of challenges, but by the willingness to confront them transparently, lawfully, and in good faith.

Neither EXIM Bank nor state prosecutors had issued a public comment on the plea negotiations at press time.