NPP MPs Walk Out of Parliament, Afenyo-Markin Leads March to EOCO Over Wontumi Arrest

• New Patriotic Party legislators walked out of Parliament in protest of the perceived harsh bail conditions of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi
• The MPs are also marching to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters as part of the protest against the detention
• Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin led the protest, and he called Boasiako’s bail conditions harsh

Members of the Minority caucus walked out of Parliament in protest of the perceived harsh bail conditions of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi.

The MPs are also marching to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters as part of the protest on May 29.

As part of the protest, the MPs staged a sit-in outside the headquarters building.

Boasiako has been unable to fulfil his GH¢50 million bail conditions since his arrest.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin led the protest, delivering a strongly worded address on the floor of the House.

Afenyo-Markin called the bail conditions excessive and unfair.

“There are many people who have appeared before investigative agencies and they are treated with respect. They go, cooperate, and when it is time to go to court, they do. But the way we are treating ourselves now—it will come back to haunt us in 2029. Let’s be careful.”

“Wontumi must be freed now. He is not going to run away. He will make himself available. He should be admitted to self-recognisance bail...That so-called GH¢50 million bail justification is unreasonable and outrageous.”

Boasiako is under investigation for alleged financial irregularities involving EXIMBANK.

His detention has sparked controversy, particularly due to the GH¢50 million bail requirement and the need to provide two sureties, terms the Minority says are unreasonable.

When was Wontumi arrested?

Boasiako was arrested by EOCO on Tuesday, May 27, after leaving police questioning.

Boasiako had previously been charged with illegal mining-related offences by the police.

On Friday, May 23, 2025, national security operatives stormed Boasiako's residence in Kumasi to execute a search warrant.

Boasiako has been under more scrutiny after the government revoked the license of his mining company, Akonta Mining Limited.

The state accused Akonta Mining of being engaged in illegal mining.

Akonta Mining has long been linked to illegal mining activities, especially in forest reserves. Boasiako has denied these claims.

In 2022, the Media Coalition Against Galamsey called for the arrest and prosecution of Boasiako.

It said there was evidence that Akonta Mining violated the Minerals and Mining Act by mining closely along the banks of the Tano River.

The coalition also accused the previous Nana Akufo-Addo government of not showing a commitment to truly fight illegal mining.

President Akufo-Addo notably defended Boasiako and Akonta Mining at the time.

Godfred Dame leads Chairman Wontumi's legal team.

YEN.com.gh reported that Boasiako's legal team is being led by former Attorney General Godfred Dame, who accompanied him to the police.

He was also accompanied by the former Member of Parliament for Asante-Akim North, Andy Appiah-Kubi.

Source: YEN.com.gh