Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been brought before the Accra High Court from prison as proceedings continue in the criminal case involving an alleged fraudulent loan facility from the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank).
The politician, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence with hard labour for illegal mining offences, arrived at the court in a prison vehicle under heavy security.
His appearance forms part of the ongoing trial in which he and his co-accused, Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, are facing charges over alleged financial transactions involving Wontumi Farms Limited.
The prosecution claims that between 2018 and 2022, the accused persons obtained approximately GH¢14.3 million from EXIM Bank after allegedly making false representations in connection with a farming project.
The prosecution further alleges that a forged receipt was submitted to support an application for an additional GH¢4 million loan facility.
According to the charges, the accused persons benefited from funds allegedly obtained through fraudulent means, resulting in financial losses of more than GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank.
They have been charged with offences including obtaining money by false pretences and money laundering.
Wontumi’s latest court appearance comes as he serves a sentence imposed in a separate illegal mining case involving Akonta Mining Limited.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, in sentencing him to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour, said the punishment was necessary to deter illegal mining and protect Ghana’s environment from the devastating effects of galamsey.
His lawyers, led by former Abuakwa South Member of Parliament Samuel Atta Akyea, have since indicated their intention to appeal the conviction.
The legal team is also expected to pursue a bail application pending the determination of the appeal, although the annual legal vacation of the judiciary could affect the timing of the hearing.
The EXIM Bank case therefore adds another major legal battle to the political career of the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, who remains a central figure in the party despite his current incarceration.
