Ghana’s Minority MPs End Boycott, Return to Parliament After Wontumi’s Detention Protest

In a dramatic turn of events, the Minority Caucus in Parliament has ended its boycott and returned to the House on Friday, May 30, 2025, after a day-long protest over the detention of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. The MPs had walked out of Parliament on Thursday, May 29, to demonstrate against the GHC50 million bail condition imposed on Wontumi by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, had condemned the bail conditions as “excessively stringent and politically motivated,” stating that the NPP would not participate in parliamentary proceedings until the issue was resolved. “We are not going to ask for any property. We don’t have GH₵50 million. Where is he going to get it from? They must do the right thing, and we will not be part of any proceeding until then,” Afenyo-Markin declared on the parliamentary floor.

Despite the firm stance, the Minority Caucus returned to Parliament on Friday, signaling a de-escalation in tensions after the dramatic events of the previous day. The exact reasons behind the caucus’s return were not immediately disclosed, but it is believed that behind-the-scenes negotiations or reassurances may have helped ease the standoff.

Background of the Protest

Chairman Wontumi has been in custody since Tuesday, May 27, following his arrest by EOCO. He was granted bail under the condition of GHC50 million with two sureties to be justified, which the NPP describes as unrealistic. The Minority MPs marched to the EOCO headquarters on Thursday, staging a sit-in protest and demanding Wontumi’s immediate release.

Investigation and Charges

According to Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, Chairman Wontumi is under investigation for serious criminal offenses, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering. Asset recovery efforts are already underway to secure suspected proceeds of crime. The investigation is being handled by EOCO.

Reaction from Parliament

The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, has advised the Minority to seek redress in court, stating that Parliament has no authority to review EOCO’s bail conditions. Ahiafor emphasized the importance of upholding institutional boundaries and following due process.

The sudden return of the Minority Caucus to Parliament has sparked speculation about possible negotiations between the parties involved. As the situation continues to unfold, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see how this saga plays out.

Source: Africa Publicity