Wontumi’s Plea Negotiations Reflect Commitment to Lawful Resolution — Campaign Team
By Eugene Nyarko Jnr.
The campaign team of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has defended his decision to enter into plea negotiations with the State, describing the move as a responsible and lawful effort to resolve outstanding legal and commercial matters.
In a statement signed by the Director of Media and Communications for the Wontumi Campaign, Ms. Ewuradjoa Coleman, the team said recent public commentary on the issue had generated considerable discussion, making it necessary to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the matter.
According to the statement, the financial facility at the center of the case was secured to support a large-scale agricultural venture aimed at enhancing food security, creating employment opportunities, and promoting agricultural development in Ghana.
The campaign stressed that the investment was neither speculative nor fictitious, noting that Chairman Wontumi’s involvement in agriculture had been well documented over the years.
The statement recalled that in 2018, Chairman Wontumi’s farming enterprise received national recognition when he was named First Runner-Up in the Ashanti Regional Best Farmer category during the 34th National Farmers’ Day celebration. His 10,000-acre maize farm located in the Sekyere Central District was cited by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture as a major contribution to the country’s agricultural production.
However, the campaign acknowledged that large-scale farming operations often face numerous challenges, including market fluctuations, adverse climatic conditions, production setbacks, and other unforeseen circumstances that can affect projected revenues and the timely fulfillment of financial obligations.
The statement indicated that Chairman Wontumi’s decision to engage in plea negotiations demonstrates his commitment to transparency, respect for the rule of law, and the efficient settlement of outstanding issues rather than engaging in prolonged legal battles.
It further emphasized that plea negotiations are recognized under Ghanaian law and should not automatically be interpreted as an admission of guilt or wrongdoing. According to the campaign, the legal framework allows parties to negotiate settlements, including arrangements that may result in the withdrawal of charges where circumstances warrant.
The campaign therefore urged the public to view the development as a lawful process designed to facilitate resolution while avoiding unnecessary litigation.
“Seeking a lawful resolution is not an act of evasion; it is an act of responsibility,” the statement noted, adding that public confidence in institutions depends on a proper understanding and respect for due process.
The campaign maintained that Chairman Wontumi remains committed to meeting his obligations, abiding by the laws of Ghana, and continuing to contribute to national development through agriculture and public service.
The statement concluded that responsible leadership is measured not by the absence of challenges but by the willingness to address them transparently, lawfully, and in good faith.
