Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has appeared before the Accra High Court under heavy prison security in connection with the ongoing criminal case involving the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.
The embattled politician, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence with hard labour after his conviction in a separate illegal mining case, was transported to court in a prison vehicle and escorted by armed prison officers.
Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused are facing charges related to an alleged GH¢14 million loan facility obtained from EXIM Bank for a farming project.
The prosecution alleges that between 2018 and 2022, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako and Thomas Antwi-Boasiako secured about GH¢14.3 million from the bank through Wontumi Farms Limited using false representations.
They are also accused of presenting a forged receipt in support of an application for an additional GH¢4 million facility and benefiting from funds allegedly obtained through fraudulent means.
The accused persons have been charged with offences including obtaining money by false pretences and money laundering, with the prosecution alleging that the transactions caused financial losses of more than GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank.
Chairman Wontumi was recently convicted by the Accra High Court on illegal mining-related offences linked to Akonta Mining Limited and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
In her judgment, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay said the sentence was meant to serve as a deterrent against illegal mining activities and protect Ghana’s environment from the effects of galamsey.
Following the conviction, Wontumi’s legal team, led by former Abuakwa South MP Samuel Atta Akyea, announced plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the trial court erred in law.
The lawyers have also indicated plans to apply for bail pending appeal, although legal experts have suggested that the judiciary’s annual legal vacation could delay the hearing of such an application.
Credit: Adomonline