Chairman Wontumi Appears in Court Under Heavy Security Over EXIM Bank Fraud Case
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 tight prison security in connection with an 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 following his conviction in a separate illegal mining case, was transported to court in a prison vehicle under armed escort by officers of the Ghana Prisons Service.
Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused are standing trial over allegations relating to a GH¢14 million loan facility obtained from EXIM Bank for a farming project.
According to the prosecution, between 2018 and 2022, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako and Thomas Antwi-Boasiako allegedly secured about GH¢14.3 million from the bank through Wontumi Farms Limited by making false representations.
The prosecution further alleges that the accused submitted a forged receipt to support an application for an additional GH¢4 million loan facility and unlawfully benefited from funds obtained through fraudulent means.
They face charges including obtaining money by false pretences and money laundering, with prosecutors alleging that the transactions resulted in financial losses exceeding GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank.
The court appearance comes days after Chairman Wontumi was convicted in a separate case involving illegal mining activities linked to Akonta Mining Limited.
In that case, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour, stating that the punishment was intended to serve as a deterrent against illegal mining and help protect Ghana’s environment from the destructive effects of galamsey.
Following the conviction, Wontumi’s legal team, led by former Abuakwa South Member of Parliament Samuel Atta Akyea, announced plans to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, arguing that the trial court committed errors of law.
His lawyers have also indicated that they intend to seek bail pending appeal, although legal observers have noted that the judiciary’s annual legal vacation could affect the timeline for hearing such an application.
Meanwhile, proceedings in the EXIM Bank case are expected to continue as the prosecution and defence present their respective cases before the court.
VIDEO BELOW:
Popular News
No trending posts found.