Members of the Minority caucus in Parliament conducted a walkout on Thursday to protest the ongoing detention of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, who is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
This action followed the failure of Wontumi’s legal team to satisfy the conditions for a GHS50 million bail that was granted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
The protest was led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who delivered a forceful address on the floor of the House.
He accused EOCO of unfair treatment and cautioned that the agency’s actions could lead to significant political repercussions.
“Perform your duties but adhere to the law. Numerous individuals have appeared before investigative bodies and have been treated with respect,” Afenyo-Markin remarked. “However, the manner in which we are treating ourselves will return to haunt us in 2029. We must exercise caution.”
Wontumi has been in the custody of EOCO since Tuesday, May 27, following his arrest related to an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving EXIMBANK. EOCO has established bail conditions at GHS50 million, necessitating two sureties—terms that Wontumi has not yet fulfilled.
The Minority Leader raised concerns regarding the fairness of the bail stipulation, labeling it as excessive and impractical.
“We do not possess GHS50 million worth of assets. How is he expected to obtain it?” he inquired. “Until EOCO rectifies this situation, we on the NPP side will protest by refraining from attending Parliament and standing in solidarity with him. We will all be there with him overnight.”
Afenyo-Markin stressed that the protest was not intended to undermine the investigative process, but rather to advocate for fairness and consistency in the treatment of citizens.
“I hope my colleagues will rally behind this so that, united in one voice, EOCO will understand that regarding the matter of Chairman Wontumi, Parliament stands together.”
