Minority MPs return to Parliament despite protest over Wontumi’s detention

The Minority Caucus in Parliament returned on Friday, May 30, 2025. This ended a brief boycott over the GHC50 million bail for Bernard Antwi Boasiako. He is known as Chairman Wontumi and is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP.

Wontumi has been in custody since Tuesday, May 27. He was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The NPP called the bail conditions excessively strict and politically motivated.

The high bail amount caused outrage within the party and its caucus. On Thursday, May 29, Minority MPs walked out in protest against EOCO’s actions. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin condemned the bail conditions publicly.

Afenyo-Markin stated they would not participate until the issue was resolved. “We don’t have GH₵50 million,” he said during the protest. He also expressed solidarity with Wontumi, saying they would support him through this ordeal.

Despite their earlier stance, Minority members attended Parliament on Friday. Their presence indicated a de-escalation of tensions after recent events. The reasons for their return were not immediately clear.

On Thursday, Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai confirmed Wontumi's investigation. He faces serious charges including fraud and money laundering. The EOCO is handling this investigation and asset recovery efforts are underway.

“Suspect BERNARD ANTWI BOASIAKO, a.k.a. Chairman Wontumi, is under investigation,” stated Justice Srem-Sai on X (formerly Twitter).