Contrary to their earlier threat to boycott parliamentary proceedings, members of the Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament were present in the Chamber on Friday, May 30, for the business of the House, following a walkout the previous day in protest against the continued detention of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The Ghana News Agency observed the attendance of several key figures from the Minority side including the Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri, Mr Frank Annor-Dompreh; the First Deputy Minority Chief Whip and MP for Tolon, Mr Habib Iddrisu; and the Second Deputy Minority Chief Whip and MP for Weija-Gbawe, Mr Jerry Ahmed Shiab.
Notably absent, however, was the Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Efutu, Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who had on Thursday led his caucus to walk out of the House in a dramatic protest.
Boycott over Wontumi’s EOCO detention
The Minority Caucus staged a walkout on Thursday, May 29, over what they described as the unjust detention of Chairman Wontumi by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). After walking out of the Chamber, the MPs proceeded to the premises of EOCO, where they demonstrated against the ongoing custody of the regional party chairman.
Mr Boasiako was arrested and charged in connection with a controversial contract deal involving the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIMBANK), which has allegedly resulted in a significant financial loss to the state.
He was granted bail on Wednesday, May 28, by EOCO to the tune of GH¢50 million.
However, his inability to meet the stringent bail conditions has led to his continued detention, sparking the political controversy and parliamentary protests that unfolded this week.
Wavering unity in the minority ranks
Friday’s appearance of key Minority MPs in the Chamber, despite Thursday’s unified boycott, is raising questions about the cohesion and resolve of the opposition group.
The decision to return has not been officially explained by the Caucus, but it suggests a possible strategic recalibration or internal disagreement over how long to sustain the protest.
The absence of Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin on Friday was conspicuous and could indicate ongoing deliberations within the leadership of the Caucus about the way forward.
Legal and political dimensions of the case
Chairman Wontumi’s legal troubles have injected a volatile element into the political atmosphere, with EOCO’s actions now drawing scrutiny from both Parliament and the public.
The charge of causing financial loss to the state in relation to an EXIMBANK contract deal carries serious implications, not only for the accused but for the broader public discourse around corruption and accountability in public office.
While EOCO has maintained that Boasiako’s detention is strictly based on legal grounds—particularly his failure to meet bail requirements—the opposition has alleged political motives behind the move.
Tensions still simmering
Though Friday’s attendance may suggest a temporary de-escalation in the Minority’s protest, the broader tensions surrounding Chairman Wontumi’s case are far from resolved.
The Caucus has yet to announce its next line of action, and much will depend on developments in Mr Boasiako’s legal journey and whether EOCO’s bail conditions are eventually met.
Observers are closely watching how the Minority balances its parliamentary responsibilities with its political opposition, especially in a case that intertwines high-stakes legal proceedings with visible partisan tensions.
