Minority MPs march to EOCO over Wontumi’s detention

In a rare and symbolic gesture of solidarity, Minority Members of Parliament are currently marching to the offices of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to express their support for embattled Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

The MPs, led by Minority Leader 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.

Speaking ahead of the march in Parliament on Thursday May 29, 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.