The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been charged with fraud and causing financial loss to the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank. According to #CitiNewsroom, Chairman Wontumi is accused of submitting a forged receipt to secure a GH¢30 million loan from EXIM Bank, allegedly used for non-existent farming activities.
The Attorney-General’s office alleges that Chairman Wontumi and his company, Wontumi Farms Limited, made false representations to EXIM Bank, including a forged receipt from Kas-Sama Enterprise, to support their loan application. The loan was meant for agricultural purposes, but investigations revealed that the equipment was never purchased, and the funds were diverted for other uses.
Chairman Wontumi’s actions have caused significant financial losses to EXIM Bank, with the outstanding amount exceeding GH¢30 million in principal and accumulated liabilities. The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) had previously investigated the matter, leading to Chairman Wontumi’s arrest and subsequent charges.
The charges against Chairman Wontumi include defrauding by false pretence, uttering a forged document, money laundering, and intentionally causing financial loss to a public institution. The case is expected to proceed to court, with the state seeking to recover the lost funds.
Chairman Wontumi’s legal troubles are mounting, as he faces separate charges related to alleged illegal mining activities involving his company, Akonta Mining Limited. The outcome of the case is being closely watched, given his prominent position within the NPP.
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Source: Stella Sunu
