Former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is facing a fresh charge in the ongoing GH¢30 million Ghana Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) case.
The development follows the filing of an amended charge sheet by the Attorney General, adding another count to the charges already before the court.
The case, which is being heard in Accra, relates to allegations surrounding a financing facility obtained from Exim Bank for a proposed farming project.
Wontumi and his company, Wontumi Farms Limited, are accused of offences connected to the acquisition and use of funds provided under the facility. The allegations include claims that information and documents presented in connection with the project were false or irregular.
The prosecution has previously alleged that more than GH¢14 million was disbursed under the facility between 2018 and 2022. It has further alleged that additional financing was sought using documents that were subsequently questioned by investigators.
The charges in the case include allegations of defrauding by false pretences, uttering forged documents, money laundering and intentionally causing financial loss to a public body.
With the amended charge sheet, the number of counts in the case has reportedly increased from four to five.
The latest development comes after earlier attempts by the prosecution and defence to resolve the matter through plea-bargaining discussions.
Those negotiations did not result in an agreement, leading the court to direct the parties to proceed with the next stages of the case. The State has also been ordered to file its disclosures as the proceedings continue.
Wontumi has denied the allegations against him.
The Exim Bank case is separate from another criminal case involving the businessman and politician in connection with alleged illegal mining activities. He has also faced court proceedings over activities involving Akonta Mining.
The financial case has attracted considerable attention because of the amount involved and the public institution at the centre of the allegations.
According to the prosecution’s case, the financing was intended to support an agricultural project. Investigators have, however, raised questions about the implementation of the project and the use of funds obtained under the facility.
The defence has maintained its position as the case progresses, while the prosecution continues to present its allegations before the court.
The latest amended charge does not amount to a conviction, and the allegations against Wontumi remain subject to determination through the judicial process.
The court has adjourned the Exim Bank case to October 13, 2026, when proceedings are expected to continue.
The outcome of the case will depend on the evidence presented by both sides and the determination of the court.
Source: Thepressradio.com
