A fierce debate over the bail conditions of embattled New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (popularly known as Chairman Wontumi), has sparked a walkout in Parliament, led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
The protest erupted after the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) set what the Minority has called “punitive” bail terms—GHS50 million with two sureties—which Wontumi has been unable to meet since his arrest on May 27. He is under investigation for alleged financial misconduct involving EXIMBANK.
Addressing the House before leading the walkout, Afenyo-Markin denounced the bail conditions as not only harsh but indicative of selective justice.
“Where is he going to get GHS50 million worth of property? Is justice now only for the wealthy?” he questioned, calling EOCO’s approach disproportionate and a threat to equal treatment under the law.
The Minority Leader insisted that the protest was not intended to obstruct investigations but rather to challenge what he described as an emerging pattern of political victimisation.
“This is not about shielding anyone. It is about fairness. When others are treated with dignity in similar cases, why is this different?” he queried.
In a dramatic show of support, Afenyo-Markin pledged to join Wontumi in custody if the situation persisted, declaring: “We are all going to sleep there with him.”
He further warned of the potential political consequences of weaponising legal institutions, saying, “This will haunt us in 2029 if we don’t act now.”
As tensions rise between law enforcement and political leaders, the development has intensified scrutiny on EOCO’s handling of high-profile cases, with calls for greater balance between due process and accountability.
