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The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has pleaded not guilty to four criminal charges linked to an alleged GH¢14.3 million fraud involving the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank).
Chairman Wontumi appeared before the High Court in Accra alongside Wontumi Farms Limited, represented by himself, while the second accused, Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, remains at large.
The accused denied charges of defrauding by false pretence, forging documents, money laundering, and intentionally causing financial loss to a public body.
According to the Attorney-General’s Department, prosecutors allege that in 2018, Bernard and Thomas Antwi-Boasiako obtained GH¢14,302,000 from EXIM Bank by false pretences. It is further alleged that Chairman Wontumi used a forged receipt to secure an additional GH¢4 million, presenting it as proof of payment.
Under the money laundering charge, prosecutors claim that between 2018 and 2022, Chairman Wontumi retained part of the GH¢14.3 million while allegedly knowing the funds were acquired fraudulently. The prosecution also asserts that the accused caused financial losses exceeding GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank during the transaction.
During proceedings, Andy Appiah-Kubi, counsel for the accused, requested the court to maintain existing bail conditions, highlighting that Chairman Wontumi had cooperated with investigators, complied with bail terms, and has a fixed residence.
The prosecution did not oppose the bail application, confirming that Chairman Wontumi had adhered to all previous bail conditions. The court subsequently granted bail on existing terms and directed the prosecution to file disclosures ahead of the Case Management Conference (CMC).
The case has been adjourned to June 18, 2026, for the CMC.
Story by Efua Nessa
Source: Loco tv