Members of the Minority in Parliament staged a dramatic walkout on Thursday, May 29, in protest against the continued detention of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Chairman Wontumi was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Tuesday, May 27, after voluntarily reporting to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for questioning. He was subsequently taken into custody at the EOCO headquarters in Accra.
According to his lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, Wontumi is under investigation for allegedly causing financial loss to the state. Although he was later granted bail set at GH¢50 million with two sureties—both to be justified—he remains in custody after failing to meet the bail requirements.
Speaking in Parliament, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin announced that his caucus would withdraw from parliamentary proceedings in protest until EOCO reviews the bail conditions and facilitates Chairman Wontumi’s release.
“We, the NPP side—regardless of our numbers—will protest by absenting ourselves from the proceedings of this House,” Afenyo-Markin declared. “Mr Speaker, they [EOCO] must do the right thing, and we will not be part of any proceedings until the right thing is done.”
He also called on members of the Majority to demonstrate solidarity with their colleague.
Before exiting the chamber, the Minority MPs stood and defiantly recited a powerful line from Ghana’s national anthem: “And help us to resist oppressors’ rule with all our will and might forevermore.” The chant echoed through the chamber as they filed out.
Following the walkout, the MPs embarked on a symbolic march to EOCO’s office, located roughly 30 minutes away from Parliament—further emphasizing their call for fairness and due process.
