The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has appeared before the Accra High Court in connection with an ongoing criminal case involving the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.

The politician, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence with hard labour following his conviction in a separate illegal mining case, was brought to court in a prison vehicle under tight security and escorted by armed prison officers.

Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused are standing trial over allegations surrounding a GH¢14 million loan facility obtained from EXIM Bank for an agricultural 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 using false representations.

The state further alleges that the accused persons submitted a falsified receipt while seeking an additional GH¢4 million loan facility and benefited from funds obtained through fraudulent means.

They have been charged with offences including obtaining money by false pretences and money laundering. Prosecutors claim the transactions resulted in financial losses exceeding GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank.

The latest court appearance comes after Chairman Wontumi was convicted by the Accra High Court in a separate case involving illegal mining activities linked to Akonta Mining Limited, for which he was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

In delivering the judgment, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay stated that the sentence was intended to discourage illegal mining and help protect Ghana’s environment from the devastating effects of galamsey.

Following the conviction, Wontumi’s legal team, headed by former Abuakwa South Member of Parliament Samuel Atta Akyea, announced plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal, arguing that the trial court made errors in its decision.

The lawyers have also disclosed their intention to seek bail pending the appeal, although legal practitioners have indicated that the judiciary’s annual legal vacation may affect the timing of such proceedings.