Andy Appiah-Kubi, MP and Lawyer for Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) has argued that the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) bears greater responsibility than his client in the transaction at the centre of ongoing investigations.
According to him, the actions and decisions taken by Exim Bank before and during the transaction raise questions about negligence and culpability.
Speaking on Joy News on December 22 and monitored by NewsDesksGH following the Attorney General’s Government Accountability Series update, the lead counsel for Chairman Wontumi said the defence is ready to test the issues in court.
“I see Exim Bank more culpable than even my client,” Lawyer Appiah-Kubi said.
He explained that Exim Bank made key decisions that departed from the original arrangements.
“They invited him to come into the transaction on terms. In this particular transaction, they agreed that a consultant from Brazil ought to be procured. Such consultant was not procured because there is a reason why they went for a President consultant.”
According to him, his client had openly acknowledged that Wontumi Farms lacked the technical expertise required for the project and therefore requested the services of an experienced consultant.
He said Exim Bank later altered the agreed process and independently procured a consultant.
“They changed the consultancy, they procured their own, and it was Exim Bank who did that. Most of the logistics had to be procured through the consultant. So whether or not such logistics were procured, we could ask the consultant questions.”
Reacting to statements by the Attorney General that Exim Bank confirmed Wontumi Farms failed to submit evidence of equipment purchases, Appiah-Kubi questioned why the bank still went ahead to release funds.
“By their realisation, they still advanced monies to Wontumi Farms. So who is culpable? Is it negligence on the part of the company and its officers?”
He stressed that the defence is awaiting formal court proceedings, where the details of the transaction will be scrutinised.
“We’re waiting. When we come to the court then we’ll see how much money has been disbursed and we’ll know for what purpose and to who.”
Earlier today, the Attorney General Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine revealed that Wontumi Farms and its Directors have been charged with defrauding by false pretences, forgery and causing financial loss to the state.
Dr. Dominic Ayine also detailed how Chairman Wontumi provided a forged receipt or proof of purchase to Ghana Exim Bank after acquiring a loan for the purchase of farm equipment.
