Minority in Parliament has accused the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) of acting capriciously in its continued detention of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The opposition lawmakers staged a walkout in Parliament on Thursday, saying they would not return until EOCO reviews what they describe as unjust bail conditions placed on the regional chairman.
Wontumi was arrested on Tuesday, May 27, after voluntarily reporting to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for questioning. He was later transferred to EOCO and granted bail of GH¢50 million, but remains in custody for failing to meet the terms.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticised EOCO’s conduct, claiming it violates the principles of fairness and due process.
“It is clear from what is happening that EOCO is being capricious, that EOCO is being biased—and we must not entertain it. We support accountability, but due process must be followed,” he said.
He warned that the current approach could set a troubling precedent, stressing that no one is immune to the reach of investigative agencies.
“Today it is Wontumi. Tomorrow it could be any of us. We must build a country where the law is applied fairly, not selectively,” Afenyo-Markin told Parliament.
The Minority also threatened to abandon parliamentary business and join Chairman Wontumi in detention, vowing to sleep at the EOCO premises in protest.
“We will not sit in this chamber while injustice is being done. Until EOCO does the right thing, we will be with him. This is not just about one man—it’s about democracy, due process, and the rule of law.”
The lawmakers called on the government to intervene and review the bail terms, which they describe as excessive and punitive.
