Chairman Wontumi Seeks Plea Bargain in EXIM Bank Fraud Case, Accra High Court Told
The Accra High Court has been formally informed that Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is seeking a plea bargain in a high-profile criminal case involving alleged multi-million cedi fraud against the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank). The update came to light on June 11, 2026, when the Office of the Attorney-General notified the court that Wontumi, the first accused, had initiated steps toward a plea negotiation process. His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, made the request in a letter dated June 5, 2026, which was communicated to the Attorney-General in accordance with Section 162C(3) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30). The case lists Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, his brother Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, currently at large, and Wontumi Farms Limited as accused parties. Prosecutors allege that between 2018 and 2022, the duo fraudulently obtained GH¢14,302,000 from EXIM Bank using false pretences and the business entity as a front. The charge sheet further accuses Chairman Wontumi of presenting a forged receipt to secure an additional GH¢4 million facility and knowingly benefiting from the alleged fraudulent funds, which forms the basis of a money laundering charge. According to the prosecution, the transactions in question resulted in a financial loss exceeding GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank. The notification of the plea bargain, signed by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, was submitted to the court registry for the presiding judge’s attention. As the case progresses, the court is expected to consider the plea bargain notification and oversee further negotiations between the parties under the applicable legal framework. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Institutional Suppliers Picket Ministry of Education Over Unpaid Free SHS Debts
The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) staged a peaceful picket at the Ministry of Education, demanding urgent payment of debts owed to its members under the government’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme. According to the association, the government owes suppliers approximately GH¢50 million for uniforms, house dresses, and school clothing delivered to senior high schools across the country since 2023. The mounting arrears have left many suppliers in a precarious financial situation. NAIS National President, Emmanuel Ayivor, expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in payments, noting that many members relied on bank loans to fulfil government contracts. As cash flow worsens, some suppliers are now struggling to keep their businesses afloat and retain their workers. “Most of us are working with loans and currently the banks are taking over our properties because we are unable to pay,” Ayivor said during the picket. The association is demanding the settlement of two years’ arrears and has called on the government to release all outstanding funds without further delay. NAIS emphasized that the picketing was meant to highlight the hardship faced by suppliers and to press for immediate action from authorities. The demonstration underscores the growing financial strain on businesses providing essential goods and services to the education sector, as suppliers await a government response to their demands. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Embassy in Washington Awaits World Cup Ticket Allocation for Diaspora Supporters
Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., has announced that it is yet to receive tickets allocated for Ghanaian supporters in the United States ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches. The update comes amid growing anticipation among Ghanaians living in the US who are eager to cheer on the Black Stars at the tournament. Interest in ticket availability has surged following recent remarks by President John Dramani Mahama during his official visit to the US. The President stated that, rather than flying supporters from Ghana to North America, the government would secure World Cup tickets from FIFA for distribution to Ghanaians already residing in the US, Mexico, and Canada. In a public notice issued to the Ghanaian diaspora community on Thursday, June 11, 2026, the embassy clarified that it was still awaiting both the tickets and information on the allocation process. “The Embassy of Ghana in Washington D.C. wishes to inform the Ghanaian diaspora in the United States that Mission is yet to receive tickets for the World Cup games,” the statement said. The embassy assured the diaspora community that details regarding ticket allocation and distribution procedures would be promptly communicated as soon as the tickets arrive. “As soon as mission receives the allocated tickets and modalities on how to distribute them, it will be communicated to the diaspora community accordingly,” the notice added. The embassy’s announcement aims to keep supporters informed and manage expectations as the country prepares to rally behind the Black Stars on the world stage. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chief Imam Raises Alarm Over Youth Drug Abuse in Ghana
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, has voiced deep worry about the escalating problem of drug abuse among young people in Ghana, warning that the trend poses a grave threat to the nation’s future. Sheikh Sharubutu raised these concerns during a courtesy call by the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, and members of the commission’s management team. The visit, which took place ahead of this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, formed part of NACOC’s preparations for World Drug Day, slated for June 26, 2026, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra. The Chief Imam lamented that the indiscriminate use of illicit substances is destroying the potential of many young Ghanaians and called for urgent, collective action from all stakeholders. He commended NACOC for its sustained efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, describing the commission’s work as critical to safeguarding the well-being of young people and society as a whole. For his part, Brigadier General Obuba Mantey thanked the Chief Imam for receiving the delegation and emphasized the pressing need for a united front to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse. He noted that the problem continues to shatter lives and undermine the future of the nation’s youth, stressing that NACOC cannot win the fight alone. The NACOC delegation included the Deputy Director-General in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Lawyer Alexander Twum-Barimah, along with other senior members of the management team. The visit also served to officially invite the Chief Imam to participate in the upcoming national event dedicated to intensifying advocacy against drug abuse. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Two Injured in Gas Tanker Accident at Nkawkaw Apesika
A road traffic accident involving a gas tanker at Nkawkaw Apesika in the Eastern Region left two people injured on the morning of Thursday, June 11. The incident triggered an immediate emergency response from the Mpraeso Fire Station after a distress call was received around 9:08 am. According to the Ghana National Fire Service, a five-member crew led by Assistant Divisional Officer I (ADO I) Effah was swiftly dispatched to the scene to provide emergency assistance and ensure public safety. Upon arrival, the firefighters encountered a gas tanker that had been involved in the accident, posing significant risks due to the hazardous nature of the cargo. Understanding the potential dangers, the crew promptly launched rescue and safety operations to secure the area and protect both road users and nearby residents. The firefighters managed to rescue two male victims who were either trapped or directly affected by the incident. Both casualties were handed over to emergency medical personnel and transported by ambulance to the Nkawkaw Roman Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. Fire officials reported that the rescue operation was conducted efficiently, with the situation being brought under control to prevent further danger. No fatalities were recorded, and the condition of the injured victims is yet to be confirmed. Authorities have yet to disclose the cause of the accident, and investigations are expected to be carried out to determine the circumstances leading to the crash. Source: Apexnewsgh.com