The Attorney-General’s Department has formally charged the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), Thomas Antwi Boasiako (at large), and Wontumi Farms Limited with four criminal counts, including defrauding by false pretence, uttering forged documents, money laundering, and intentionally causing financial loss to a public institution.
According to the May 15, 2026 charge sheet, the accused fraudulently secured a GH¢18.7 million loan facility from the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) in 2018, of which GH¢14.3 million was disbursed.
The funds were ostensibly acquired to establish a large-scale agricultural project using a purported 100,000-acre land parcel. However, a state investigation launched in March 2025 revealed that no land was acquired, no farming operations occurred, and no machinery was purchased.
Instead, supporting documentation—including a board resolution and project proposal—predated the company’s official incorporation.
Furthermore, prosecutors allege that Chairman Wontumi altered a pro-forma invoice to falsely present it as a GH¢4 million equipment receipt to secure additional disbursements.
Between 2018 and 2022, the funds were allegedly laundered and diverted into personal use and unrelated investments.
The transaction has resulted in an estimated financial loss exceeding GH¢30 million to Exim Bank.
Following his arraignment on May 14, 2026, Chairman Wontumi is scheduled to reappear before the High Court in Accra.
