Minority walkout over Wontumi’s detention

Members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament staged a powerful walkout on Thursday, protesting the prolonged detention of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin led the demonstration, condemning the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for what he called unfair treatment. Speaking on the Parliament floor, he warned of serious political consequences if the situation continued.

“Do your work but respect the law,” Afenyo-Markin urged. “Many who appear before investigative agencies are treated with dignity. The way we are handling this will come back to haunt us in 2029.”

Chairman Wontumi has been held by EOCO since May 27 amid an investigation into alleged financial misconduct related to EXIMBANK. EOCO set bail at GHS50 million with two sureties, a condition Wontumi’s legal team has struggled to meet.

Afenyo-Markin slammed the bail amount as “excessive and unrealistic.” He questioned, “Where is he going to get GHS50 million worth of property? It’s unfair.”

Reaffirming his support, Afenyo-Markin pledged continued protest until EOCO adjusts its approach. “We will stand with Wontumi and protest by staying away from Parliament and joining him at EOCO. We are all going to sleep there with him.”

He clarified that the walkout aimed not to block justice but to demand fairness. “I pray my colleagues join in solidarity so EOCO understands that Parliament stands united on this matter,” he concluded.