By: Ashiadey Dotse
The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, has told the Minority in Parliament that they should go to court if they are unhappy with the bail conditions of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi.
Chairman Wontumi, who is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). He is being held over charges including fraud, money laundering, and organised crime, according to the Attorney General’s Department.
In protest, the Minority in Parliament walked out of the chamber and later staged a sit-down demonstration at the EOCO office on Thursday, May 29. They said Wontumi is being treated unfairly and accused EOCO of political bias.
Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, spoke during the protest and called on the Majority side in Parliament to join them in demanding justice. “I hope our colleagues on the other side will join us. Parliament must speak with one voice for fairness in this matter,” he said.
However, Deputy Speaker Ahiafor responded by saying Parliament has no power to change the bail terms set by EOCO. He urged the Minority to take the matter to court instead.
“If a security agency gives a bail condition that you think is too harsh, it is up to the courts to review it, not Parliament,” Ahiafor said. He stressed the need to respect the roles of different institutions and follow legal procedures.
Chairman Wontumi remains in EOCO custody as investigations continue.
