Credit: Kekeli K. Blamey
The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, has advised the Minority in Parliament to seek legal action rather than expecting parliamentary intervention in the bail conditions of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. Wontumi, who is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), remains in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following his arrest on charges related to fraud, money laundering, and organized crime, as stated by the Attorney General’s Department.
In response to his detention, the Minority staged a walkout in Parliament and later held a sit-in protest at EOCO’s headquarters on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
They accused EOCO of political bias and unfair treatment in handling the case.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, speaking prior to the protest, criticized EOCO’s conduct and pledged ongoing resistance until justice is achieved.
He called on the Majority to join their cause, urging unity in Parliament on the matter.
“I hope my colleagues on the other side will join us, so that EOCO sees that Parliament is united in demanding fairness regarding Chairman Wontumi,” Afenyo-Markin said.
Despite the Minority’s actions, Deputy Speaker Ahiafor reiterated that Parliament lacks the authority to interfere with EOCO’s bail decisions, advising that any concerns be addressed through the courts.
“If an institution’s decision can be legally challenged, or if a security agency imposes bail conditions that seem excessive, the appropriate place to seek remedy is the court—not Parliament,” Ahiafor stated.
He underscored the need to respect the separation of powers and allow due process to take its course in resolving the matter.
