Former Abuakwa South Member of Parliament, Samuel Atta Akyea, has taken over as lead counsel for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in his ongoing EXIM Bank trial.
Atta Akyea replaces lawyer Andy Appiah Kubi, who previously represented the politician in the criminal matter.
Appearing before the court, the new defense counsel formally requested an extension of time to allow the defense team and the Office of the Attorney-General to continue and conclude ongoing plea bargain negotiations.
The court was informed that the plea bargain application was initiated under Section 162C(3) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), with both sides working toward a mutually acceptable resolution.
Atta Akyea indicated that stepping into the case was essential to ensure the accused person is adequately represented as critical discussions regarding the resolution of the matter progress.
Chairman Wontumi, together with Thomas Antwi-Boasiako and Wontumi Farms Limited, is facing charges that include defrauding by false pretences, uttering forged documents, money laundering, and intentionally causing financial loss to the state.
State prosecutors contend that the defendants fraudulently secured GH¢14.3 million from EXIM Bank for an agricultural project that was never executed.
They are further accused of presenting forged receipts for an additional GH¢4 million facility, bringing the total alleged financial loss to over GH¢30 million.
The requested extension will afford both the prosecution and defense counsel additional time to review necessary documents and determine whether a final plea agreement can be submitted to the High Court for approval.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
