A dramatic political standoff unfolded in Accra, as members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament staged a walkout in protest of what they described as excessive and punitive bail conditions imposed on New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi.
The Minority’s boycott of Parliamentary proceedings culminated in a massive street demonstration, as the MPs marched from the chambers of Parliament to the headquarters of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), where Wontumi has been detained for nearly 48 hours.
Joined by party leaders and throngs of supporters, the legislators blocked the entrance to EOCO, chanting and demanding his immediate release.
Tensions boil over at EOCO headquarters
The protest reached fever pitch when a police riot control vehicle attempted to enter the EOCO compound.
The already agitated crowd responded by using a pickup truck to block the vehicle’s path, with others dragging car tyres onto the road to fortify the blockade.
Supporters of the NPP, many draped in party colours, formed a human chain and raised their voices in protest songs echoing through the streets of Accra.
Despite police attempts at dialogue and de-escalation, the scene remained tense throughout the day.
Officers were seen trying to reason with the crowd, but the protestors stood their ground, accusing EOCO and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of abusing prosecutorial powers to punish political opponents.
Afenyo-Markin condemns “weaponisation” of bail
Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, was among the first to speak out, describing the GH¢50 million bail condition as outrageous and calculated to keep Wontumi behind bars.
“In a Rambo-style, he [Wontumi] is arrested. He makes himself available for interrogation, and next thing, you demand titled property worth GH¢50 million?” he said during a press briefing outside EOCO. “What kind of country are we in? Have they read the Constitution? They should vary the bail terms. The man is unwell. He is in their custody—they know it. So they should vary the terms. Wontumi will not run anywhere.”
Afenyo-Markin further warned the governing party to reflect on the precedent being set.
“I’m telling our friends in the NDC: four years will soon come. If they think what they are doing is right, they should watch it. Treat others the way you expect them to treat you,” he said, invoking the golden rule.
This is not about Wontumi alone
Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, strongly defended the walkout and the protest, describing it as a constitutional right nd a necessary civic action against creeping authoritarianism.
“Under the laws of Ghana, we have the right to protest. That’s what we’re exercising,” he said.
“This isn’t just about Wontumi; it’s about how state power is being misapplied. State institutions must not be used to intimidate and frustrate citizens through onerous bail conditions.”
He added that EOCO’s actions reflected a dangerous trend of undermining democratic institutions.
“Let’s be clear: they know the law. They have legal officers. But they chose this path deliberately,” he added.
“Peaceful protest is just as valid as court action. It might be Wontumi today. We don’t know who it might be tomorrow.”
Bail terms deliberately unreasonable
Another strong voice was that of Asante Akim Central MP, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, who lambasted EOCO for what he called a deliberate attempt to detain Wontumi indefinitely.
“Is it reasonable to demand titled property worth GH¢50 million just for bail?” he asked pointedly. “It’s a clear message: they don’t want to grant him bail. That’s why we’re here.”
According to the MP, alternative methods could have been used to ensure the accused remained within the jurisdiction.
“They’ve already frozen his accounts. If they’re worried he’ll flee, seize his passport. But don’t impose a bail term so extreme that it becomes a punishment in itself,” he argued.
Dismissing suggestions that the matter should be resolved quietly through the courts, Anyimadu-Antwi said, “We are citizens. We have the right to protest, and we’re exercising it.”
Legal battle and public outcry
Chairman Wontumi was arrested by EOCO on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, shortly after appearing before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for questioning.
He was subsequently transferred to EOCO’s head office in Accra, where he has remained since. His lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, confirmed that Wontumi is under investigation for allegedly causing financial loss to the state.
Despite being granted bail—GH¢50 million with two justified sureties—Wontumi was unable to meet the stringent conditions and spent Wednesday night in custody.
His legal team has indicated that they are exploring their options for challenging the bail terms, though no court application has yet been filed to review the conditions.
The case has sparked criticism from several legal commentators and civil society organisations, who argue that bail should be used to ensure appearance in court, not to punish or detain.
Govt and EOCO silent
As of press time, neither EOCO nor government spokespersons had issued a formal response to the protest or the allegations of political persecution.
However, government insiders maintain that the bail conditions are in line with the scale of the alleged financial offences, particularly in cases involving public funds and potential state losses.
Transparency International Ghana and other anti-corruption advocacy groups have urged both sides to allow the legal process to unfold without political interference while calling for fairness and proportionality in pretrial processes.
Divided public opinion
The standoff has divided public opinion, with some citizens applauding EOCO’s firm stance on accountability, regardless of political affiliation, while others decry what they see as selective justice and politically motivated harassment.
On social media, hashtags like #FreeWontumiNow and #JusticeNotPolitics have trended nationwide, sparking heated debates.
What lies ahead?
The protests are expected to continue if the bail terms remain unchanged.
With elections on the horizon and political tensions already high, the Wontumi case may become a flashpoint in the evolving contest between Ghana’s major political parties.
For now, Chairman Wontumi remains behind bars, the streets remain restless, and the halls of Parliament echo with a walkout that may be the first of many if the opposition’s demands are not met.
