“We are going to sleep there with him”: Minority MPs demand justice for Chairman Wontumi

On Thursday, May 29, Minority Members of Parliament took their protest to the entrance of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra, sitting on the bare ground to demand fair treatment for NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi.

The MPs are angry over what they describe as “harsh and unjust” bail conditions imposed on Wontumi, who is facing charges related to causing financial loss to the state. He was arrested on May 27 after reporting to the CID and was later moved to EOCO. Although bail was set at GH¢50 million with two sureties, he has not met the terms and remains in custody.

said Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin on the floor of Parliament. “You are demanding 50 million worth of property from a man still in the hospital? Where is he going to get that from?”

Afenyo-Markin added, “We support accountability, but accountability must follow the rule of law. Tomorrow it may be you, Mr Speaker. Today, some of our colleagues are in government. In 2028, you cannot be sure.”

The MPs began the day by walking out of Parliament in protest. As they left the chamber, they chanted a line from the national anthem: “And help us to resist oppressors’ rule with all our will and might forevermore.”

They then marched roughly 30 minutes to EOCO’s offices, where they joined party supporters in demanding Wontumi’s release. Supporters blocked a police riot control vehicle with a pick-up truck and car tyres, refusing to let it through. Police officers were seen trying to calm the situation.

The Minority MPs insist they will stay at EOCO’s premises until the bail conditions are reviewed. “This is not just about one man, it’s about democracy, due process, and the rule of law,” Afenyo-Markin said.

They are calling on EOCO and other institutions to do their jobs, but fairly and within the law.