Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has pleaded not guilty to charges of allegedly obtaining funding from the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) using forged documents.
According to the charge sheet filed on September 22, 2026, the accused face five counts: defrauding by false pretence; two counts of using forged documents; money laundering; and intentionally causing financial loss of GH¢30 million to a public body.
Prosecutors allege that Mr Antwi-Boasiako presented forged and altered documents to Exim Bank in January 2018 to secure financing for a proposed farming project.
The prosecution further claims the accused did not carry out the planned farming activities, acquire agricultural machinery or employ workers.
It also alleges they neither owned nor secured the land they had represented to the bank as available for the project.
The prosecution additionally accuses Mr Antwi-Boasiako of withdrawing substantial sums from the accounts of Wontumi Farms Limited, the third accused, and using the money for personal purposes, including investments in other businesses.
An amended charge sheet dated September 19, 2026, separately identifies a pro-forma invoice from EPSONS GHANA LIMITED as the document Mr Antwi-Boasiako allegedly used in 2017 to deceive Exim Bank officials and obtain GH¢4 million.
The charge is brought under Section 169 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
During proceedings on Tuesday, October 13, his lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, argued that the dispute was fundamentally about loan repayment and should be resolved through civil proceedings rather than criminal prosecution.
Mr Antwi-Boasiako has denied the charges. The case is adjourned to Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. for a case management conference. The prosecution has been directed to file the relevant disclosures within 14 days.
