Video – Minority MPs sit on the street in protest of Wontumi’s detention

The minority in Parliament held a sit-in outside the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra on Thursday, May 29. They are demanding the release of Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Chairman Wontumi was arrested by EOCO after visiting the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Tuesday, May 27. He spent the night at EOCO because he could not meet his bail conditions.

Wontumi was granted bail of GH₵50 million with two sureties on Wednesday, May 28. However, his legal team did not fully satisfy the requirements for his release. He is under investigation for alleged financial transactions involving the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.

The Minority MPs, led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, protested Wontumi’s continued detention. They had previously walked out of Parliament and vowed to boycott proceedings until EOCO modifies Wontumi’s bail conditions.

Afenyo-Markin stated that many people cooperate with investigative agencies and are treated with respect. He expressed concern about how this situation might affect them in 2029. He questioned where Wontumi would find GH₵50 million worth of properties for bail.

He declared that they would protest by absenting themselves from Parliament and join Wontumi at EOCO. Afenyo-Markin urged his colleagues to unite in support of their cause.

Currently, Chairman Wontumi has secured one surety but needs one more to meet full bail conditions.