By Daniel Bampoe
The Minority In Parliament on Thursday stormed the EOCO premises in Accra, after walking out from Parliament and threatened to boycott parliamentary proceedings over the detention and bail conditions imposed on the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and his caucus walked along the principal streets from Parliament House to the headquarters of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in solidarity with the embattled chairman.
Earlier, he took to the floor of Parliament on Thursday to express grave concern about what he described as excessive and punitive bail demands by the EOCO calling them a breach of human rights and a threat to Ghana’s democratic values.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, said their action was not just an expression of sympathy but a protest against what they described as unfair and excessive treatment of Wontumi, who has been in EOCO custody since May 27.
Afenyo-Markin called on EOCO to uphold the principles of fairness and legality in its investigations.
“Do your work but respect the law,” he said. “There are many people who have appeared before investigative agencies and they are treated with respect. They go, cooperate, and when it is time to go to court, they do. But the way we are treating ourselves now—it will come back to haunt us in 2029. Let’s be careful.”
Chairman Wontumi is under investigation for alleged financial irregularities involving EXIMBANK. His detention has sparked controversy, particularly due to the GHS50 million bail requirement and the need to provide two sureties—terms the Minority says are unreasonable.
“We don’t have GHS50 million worth of properties. Where is he going to get it from?” Afenyo-Markin questioned, as he reaffirmed the Minority’s intention to continue their protest.
“Until EOCO is able to do the right thing, we the NPP side—however few our numbers—will protest by absenting ourselves from Parliament and join him. We are all going to sleep there with him. We are not going to ask for any property,”he stated.
He further appealed for bipartisan support, urging all MPs to unite in holding EOCO accountable.
“I pray that my colleagues will support so that with one voice EOCO will know that when it got to this matter of Chairman Wontumi, Parliament was united,” he added.
Background to the Detention
Chairman Wontumi was initially invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in connection with investigations into illegal mining, including allegations of operating without a license, polluting water bodies, and encroaching on forest reserves.
After honouring the CID’s invitation, he was reportedly accosted at the exit of the police headquarters and subsequently taken into custody by EOCO officials, who transported him to their head office in Accra.
There, he was interrogated on allegations related to causing financial loss to the state.
According to his lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, Wontumi fell ill during the interrogation and was later transferred to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) clinic for treatment.
EOCO later granted him police enquiry bail of GH¢50 million, with two sureties to be justified—a condition his legal team and party allies argue is both excessive and unfair.
Afenyo-Markin Raises Alarm
On the floor of Parliament, Afenyo-Markin did not mince words. He criticized EOCO’s approach, stating that bail should not serve as a form of punishment.
Citing Article 296 of the Constitution, he argued that discretionary powers, including the imposition of bail conditions, must be exercised fairly and without bias.
“Chairman Wontumi is not a fugitive,” Afenyo-Markin declared.
“He honoured the CID’s invitation and has always availed himself when needed. Why treat him like a flight risk? Demanding GH¢50 million in property for bail is outrageous and discriminatory.”
He added that the current actions by EOCO were undermining the democratic credentials of the country and called on fellow MPs, regardless of party affiliation, to stand against what he termed “capricious and arbitrary conduct.”
Minority’s Next Move: A Boycott
The Minority Leader announced that his caucus would protest Wontumi’s continued detention and what he described as unreasonable bail conditions by boycotting parliamentary proceedings.
“We will not take part in the business of this House until EOCO varies the bail conditions. If Chairman Wontumi is to sleep in a cell, we will sleep there with him,” he said passionately.
“Today, it is an NPP member. Tomorrow, it may be one of you. Let us not celebrate abuse of power.”
He urged MPs on both sides to “put aside partisan colours” and demand fairness, warning that the erosion of democratic safeguards could have dire consequences for all politicians.
Deputy Speaker Responds
In response, the 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, cautioned against overstepping legislative boundaries.
Quoting Article 125 of the Constitution, he reminded MPs that judicial authority in Ghana is vested in the courts, not Parliament.
“If EOCO’s bail conditions are deemed harsh, the appropriate remedy lies in the courts—not on the floor of this chamber,” he stated.
“Parliament cannot pronounce on judicial or quasi-judicial matters, especially when those avenues remain open to the aggrieved party.”
Benard Ahiafor concluded the Minority’s statement by asserting that while the issue was of national importance, Parliament must act within the confines of its constitutional mandate.
Public and Political Fallout
News of Wontumi’s detention has sparked outrage within the NPP. Party supporters and national executives, including the National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye and former Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover, gathered at EOCO’s premises in Accra to demand his release.
The former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Wednesday condemned the actions of the National Security.
Later in the day, the former MP for Assin North, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, also stormed the EOCO to act as one of the sureties for Chairman Wontumi.
On Thursday, he sent his former Campaign Manager, Frederick Opare- Ansah to the EOCO to engage with, Chairman Wontumi’s legal team continues to negotiate with EOCO over the bail terms, but no breakthrough has been reported as of press time.
