Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and Wontumi Farms have asked the High Court to prevent a loan dispute with Ghana Exim Bank from being treated as a criminal matter.
The plaintiffs argue that the disagreement over a loan exceeding GH¢18 million granted to finance a farming project should be resolved through civil proceedings rather than criminal prosecution.
They have sued Ghana Exim Bank, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Attorney General following criminal proceedings over alleged offences, including defrauding by false pretences, uttering a forged document, money laundering and intentionally causing financial loss to the state.
In their statement of claim, filed through their lawyer, Samuel Atta-Akyea, the plaintiffs accuse EOCO of exceeding its mandate by acting as a debt collector in what they describe as a contractual dispute.
According to the plaintiffs, a 10,000-acre parcel of land belonging to Wontumi Farms was used as collateral for the loan, while Chairman Wontumi personally guaranteed repayment in the event of a default.
They further claim that Ghana Exim Bank agreed to secure insurance coverage for the facility.
However, the plaintiffs say the farming venture suffered significant losses after four rivers surrounding the property overflowed their banks, flooding the farmland.
They contend that the bank was informed of the damage and allegedly assured them that it would activate the insurance arrangement to address the outstanding debt.
Chairman Wontumi and Wontumi Farms deny obtaining the loan through deceit or engaging in criminal conduct, maintaining that the dispute concerns the recovery of a loan and should therefore be handled as a civil matter.
They are asking the court to declare the dispute a civil debt matter and order Ghana Exim Bank to provide a detailed account of the outstanding amount.
The plaintiffs are also seeking an order directing the bank to pursue recovery through the mortgage, Chairman Wontumi’s personal guarantee or the insurance cover allegedly arranged for the loan.
