By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has announced that the state will prosecute Wontumi Farms Limited and its directors over an alleged fraud involving the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) amounting to more than GH¢24 million.
According to Dr Ayine, investigations conducted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) have established sufficient grounds to pursue criminal charges, including defrauding by false pretences, forgery, and causing financial loss to the state.
The Attorney-General disclosed that the alleged loss currently stands at GH¢24,255,735, representing the principal sum involved in the transaction and accrued interest, noting that the figure could increase due to compounding interest before charges are formally filed.
Addressing journalists in Accra on Monday, December 22, Dr Ayine said prosecution will begin after the Christmas break, once the final outstanding amount is confirmed by Exim Bank.
“In the face of the evidence we have gathered in this investigation, thoroughly conducted by EOCO, we have made the decision to prosecute Wontumi Farms and its directors for defrauding by false pretences, forgery, and causing financial loss to the state in the sum of GH¢24,255,735,” he stated.
“This figure represents the principal amount plus interest accrued so far. By the time we file charges in court, the amount may increase because interest continues to compound. We will therefore obtain the exact figure from Exim Bank before filing,” he added.
The decision follows EOCO investigations into a loan transaction involving Wontumi Farms, linked to its director, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Dr Ayine recalled that the company allegedly secured a GH¢4 million facility from Exim Bank using a forged document submitted as proof of payment for farming and industrial equipment.
Investigations established that a document presented as a receipt from Casama Enterprise was in fact a proforma invoice that had allegedly been altered by replacing the word “invoice” with “receipt”.
The owner of Casama Enterprise, according to the Attorney-General, confirmed to investigators that no payment was made and that no receipt was issued to Wontumi Farms.
Dr Ayine said the case underscores the government’s commitment to accountability and the protection of public funds, assuring the public that the prosecution will proceed once all documentation from Exim Bank is finalised and filed in court.
