Seek redress in court-Ahiafor to minority

The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, has advised the Minority in Parliament to seek legal redress over the detention of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Chairman Wontumi is being held by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following his arrest on allegations of fraud, money laundering, and organized crime, as outlined by the Attorney General’s Department.

In response, the Minority staged a walkout in Parliament and organized a sit-down demonstration at EOCO’s headquarters on Thursday, May 29, 2025. They accused EOCO of unfair treatment and political bias in the case.

Speaking ahead of the protest, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticized EOCO’s handling of the matter and called for support from the Majority in Parliament.

“I pray that my colleagues on the opposite side will support this, so that with one voice, EOCO will know that when it came to Chairman Wontumi, Parliament stood united in demanding fairness,” Afenyo-Markin said.

However, Deputy Speaker Ahiafor emphasized that Parliament does not have the authority to review bail conditions imposed by a security agency and urged the Minority to pursue the issue in court.

“I believe this is a matter that can adequately be addressed by the judiciary. For me, if a decision of an institution can be challenged at the court, if a security agency slaps a bail condition that you feel is hard, I do not think Parliament has the authority to call for a review of that particular decision,” he said.

Ahiafor stressed the importance of respecting institutional boundaries and ensuring due process is followed to resolve the matter.

By Joyce Kpeglo