In a show of unity, Minority Members of Parliament are set to march to the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters today in support of embattled Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Chairman Wontumi has been in EOCO custody since May 27, facing allegations of financial irregularities involving EXIMBANK. The Minority argues that his detention and bail terms are excessive, with a GHS50 million bail requirement and two sureties being deemed unreasonable.
Speaking ahead of the march, Minority Leader Alexander 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.”
Afenyo-Markin questioned the bail terms, saying, “We don’t have GHS50 million worth of properties. Where is he going to get it from?” He reaffirmed the Minority’s intention to continue their protest, stating, “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.”
The Minority Leader 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.”
The march is a rare display of solidarity, with the Minority MPs showing their support for Chairman Wontumi and calling for fairness in the investigation.