In order to demand the immediate release of Chairman Wontumi, also known as Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have stormed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and abandoned their parliamentary duties.
On Thursday, May 29, the MPs marched from Parliament House to EOCO’s headquarters while chanting the national and party anthems under the leadership of Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the leader of their caucus.
They have called for due process to be followed and have accused EOCO and the government of unfairly treating Chairman Wontumi and engaging in political witchhunting. They have also called the bail requirements for him ridiculous.
On Tuesday, May 27, Chairman Wontumi was taken into custody by EOCO as a result of ongoing investigations, the specifics of which have not yet been made public.
Even though he reportedly became ill during questioning that same day, he has remained in custody ever since.
He has been given GH¢50 million in bail with two sureties, both of whom must be justified, but he has not yet fulfilled the requirements for his release.
In the meantime, EOCO’s headquarters is heavily guarded, and an increasing number of NPP MPs and supporters are encamped there in protest.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s 2024 presidential candidate and former vice president, has harshly criticized EOCO for the incident.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized the necessity of protecting the accused’s rights and the significance of due process in court proceedings in a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 28.
He warned that any departure from due process could damage public confidence in the legal system and threaten Ghana’s democratic values, and he urged EOCO to uphold the rights of the NPP regional chairman.
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