Minority member of Parliament escalated their protest on Thursday, May 29, by sitting on the bare floor at the entrance of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra.
They condemned what they describe as harsh and unjust bail conditions imposed on NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
A white pick-up car, part of the protest, blocked a police riot control vehicle outside the EOCO office, causing a brief standstill.
The MPs say they will spend the night at the EOCO premises until the bail conditions — including a GH¢50 million property requirement — are reviewed and met.
The protest follows a dramatic walkout from Parliament earlier on Thursday, where Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin strongly criticised EOCO’s conduct, describing it as “capricious and biased”.
“I support accountability, but accountability must follow the rule of law,” he said on the floor of Parliament. “Tomorrow it may be you, Mr Speaker. Today, some of our colleagues are in government. In 2028, you cannot be sure.”
Afenyo-Markin argued that the GH¢50 million bail demand was excessive and insensitive, especially given reports that Wontumi is currently receiving medical treatment.
“You are demanding 50 million worth of property from a man still in the hospital? Where is he going to get that from? We don’t have 50 million in property. We are going to sleep there with him,” he said, calling on all MPs to reject partisan divides and defend justice.
The MPs say their protest is a message to EOCO and all state institutions: “Do your work, but respect the law.”
