Bernard Antwi-Boasiako seeks civil classification in GH₵30m Exim Bank case

Lawyers representing Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party known as Chairman Wontumi, have petitioned the Accra High Court to declare his legal dispute with the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) as a civil matter. The case centers on allegations of fraud and money laundering stemming from loan agreements that the prosecution claims resulted in a GH₵30 million loss to the state-owned bank.

The legal team for Antwi-Boasiako argues that the matter is essentially a commercial disagreement over outstanding debt rather than a criminal offense. According to the defense, there is sufficient collateral provided to the bank to cover the financial obligations in question. They contend that the existence of this security underscores the civil nature of the transaction and challenges the basis for the criminal charges currently being pursued by the state.

The proceedings have faced recent procedural shifts, including the filing of an amended charge sheet by the prosecution. This update to the formal accusations led the court to adjourn the matter to allow for further preparation. The case is now scheduled for hearing on October 13, 2026, as the court considers the defense's request for civil classification alongside the state's criminal allegations.