Lawyers for former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have filed an application with the Accra High Court. They seek a declaration that the dispute between their client and the Export-Import Bank of Ghana (Exim Bank) is a civil matter, rather than a criminal case. The application also requests an order for accounts to determine the amount allegedly due to the first defendant in relation to loans advanced between January 16, 2018, and October 28, 2020.
Chairman Wontumi is standing trial alongside Thomas Antwi-Boasiako and Wontumi Farms Limited over an alleged GH¢30 million loss to Exim Bank. The accused persons face five charges, including defrauding by false pretence, two counts of uttering a forged document, money laundering, and intentionally causing financial loss to a public body. The prosecution alleges that Mr Antwi-Boasiako and Mr Thomas Antwi-Boasiako obtained approximately GH¢14.302 million from Exim Bank in 2018 through false pretences.
The case was recently adjourned to October 13, 2026, after the prosecution filed an amended charge sheet. The amendment relates to one of the counts of uttering a forged document, with the prosecution specifying the company whose pro-forma invoice was allegedly forged. The amended charge sheet retains the charge of uttering a forged document under Section 169 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
According to the prosecution, Mr Antwi-Boasiako, in 2017 within the Greater Accra Region, used the allegedly forged document with the intention of defrauding officials of Exim Bank and obtaining GH¢4 million from the bank. The defence has requested time to study the new charges, and the court has adjourned the case to October 13, 2026, when the amended charges are expected to be considered and the accused persons' pleas taken.
The defence is seeking several reliefs, including a declaration that the collateral security and insurance cover backing the loans are sufficient to settle the outstanding debt. They are also asking the court to direct Exim Bank to apply the collateral security and insurance cover towards clearing the alleged outstanding loan balance.
The application filed by Chairman Wontumi's lawyers also seeks “Any further or other reliefs that the justice of this plaint requires. Costs, including lawyers' professional fees on full indemnity basis.” The court will consider the application and the amended charges when the case resumes on October 13.
The case has significant implications for Chairman Wontumi and the other accused persons, who face serious charges related to financial loss and forgery. The court's decision on the defence's application and the amended charges will determine the next steps in the trial.
Key points
- Chairman Wontumi's lawyers seek civil declaration in Exim Bank case.
- The case involves allegations of financial loss and forgery.
- The court has adjourned the case to October 13, 2026.
