AG Rejects Wontumi’s Plea Bargain Offer in EXIM Bank Loan Case
Deputy AG says proposal by Wontumi’s lawyers did not satisfy the state as discussions continue in EXIM Bank case
- AG’s Office rejects Wontumi’s plea bargain proposal
- Deputy AG says offer was considered inadequate
- Formal meeting with defence team expected to communicate rejection
The Office of the Attorney-General has rejected a plea-bargaining proposal submitted by lawyers for NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in connection with criminal charges related to a loan facility obtained from the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.
Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem Sai disclosed that although discussions between the prosecution and the defence team had begun under the plea-bargaining process, the proposal presented by Chairman Wontumi’s lawyers did not meet the expectations of the state.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Srem Sai explained that the Attorney-General’s Office had already decided to reject the proposal but was yet to formally communicate the decision to the defence team.
“They made a plea proposal of what they want to offer. In our opinion, we are not satisfied, and so we intend to reject it. In fact, we have in our minds rejected it, just that we’ve not had a meeting with them to inform them of our rejection,” he said.
The Deputy Attorney-General did not disclose details of the proposal but indicated that the offer involved the payment of some amount of money.
He stressed that plea bargaining is a confidential process and that details would only be made public after the discussions are concluded.
“It’s enough that we are still bargaining. Because plea bargaining is not supposed to be out there. When we finish, we’ll announce the conclusion, but they made an offer,” he added.
Justice Srem Sai maintained that the state found the proposal inadequate and would communicate its rejection during a formal meeting with Chairman Wontumi’s legal representatives.
