THE EXPORT-IMPORT (Exim) Bank of Ghana has initiated legal proceedings against Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), over an alleged unpaid loan.
The lawsuit, filed in the Accra High Court, centers on a disputed 10 million loan reportedly intended for maize farming, which the bank claims remains unpaid.
Chairman Wontumi’s legal representative, Lawyer Andy Appiah Kubi, confirmed receipt of the writ but declined to disclose specifics, stating only that his client would file a response. He indicated that the bank’s decision to pursue a civil lawsuit—rather than criminal proceedings—supports their position that the matter is purely financial.
“We have received the writ and will respond accordingly. The fact that Exim Bank has opted for a civil suit reinforces our view that this is not a criminal case,” Kubi told reporters during a briefing on Wontumi’s recent arrest by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO).
This legal action adds to a series of controversies surrounding Chairman Wontumi. He has previously faced legal challenges, including defamation suits filed by individuals such as Ibrahim Mahama and Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah.
Additionally, his mining company, HANSOL Mining Limited, was involved in a significant legal dispute resulting in a reported $1 billion judgment debt against the Ghanaian government.
The current lawsuit underscores the ongoing scrutiny of agricultural financing and loan recovery efforts in Ghana. Legal experts note that civil proceedings could signal the bank’s focus on debt recovery rather than punitive action, though the outcome may influence perceptions of accountability for high-profile borrowers.
As the case unfolds, it is expected to draw significant public and political attention, given Chairman Wontumi’s prominent role within the NPP and the broader implications for financial accountability in Ghana’s political landscape.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
