The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has announced that Wontumi Farms Limited and its directors will be prosecuted for alleged criminal offences related to a GH¢24,255,735 loan from the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank).
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series on Monday, December 22, Dr Ayine described the actions of the company and its directors as “not mere breaches of contract, but acts of criminality,” adding that the investigation was conducted thoroughly by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
He said the charges against Wontumi Farms and its directors will include defrauding by false pretence, forgery, and causing financial loss to the state.
The GH¢24,255,735 figure, he noted, represents the principal sum of the loan plus accrued interest, which continues to compound.
“The exact figure of the amount involved in this criminal enterprise will be confirmed with Exim Bank before we file charges in court,” Dr Ayine said, adding that the filing of charges is expected after the Christmas break when the Attorney-General’s office resumes work.
Dr Ayine’s announcement follows earlier revelations that Wontumi Farms allegedly submitted forged documents to ExIm Bank and failed to employ the workers intended under the Mining Alternative Livelihood Programme, a government initiative designed to provide jobs for youth in communities affected by illegal mining activities.
The decision to prosecute comes amid heightened scrutiny over the handling of public funds and emphasizes the government’s commitment to holding individuals and companies accountable for financial misconduct.
