Release Wontumi and all political prisoners now – Afenyo-Markin to gov’t
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on the government to release individuals he describes as “political prisoners,” accusing the John Dramani Mahama administration of using state institutions to target opponents and critics.
The Effutu MP made the remarks while contributing to debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson in Parliament on Thursday, July 23.
Afenyo-Markin alleged that some opposition figures and government critics are facing prosecution as part of efforts to suppress dissent and weaken political opposition.
He pointed to the case of Camilla Alhassan, whom he described as a young mother of three who had been unfairly imprisoned following her conviction and one-year sentence.
The Minority Leader also mentioned the 20-year prison sentence imposed on New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in connection with a galamsey-related case.
According to Afenyo-Markin, the cases reflect what he called an attempt by the government to silence critics and create a political environment where opposing views are restricted.
“Dr Ato Forson, tell your government to free all political prisoners. Wontumi deserves justice. Camilla Alhassan deserves justice. The MPs behind me that you have lined them up for persecution, listen, you can decide to imprison every MP, it will not shut us down,” he said.
He further urged the government to be mindful that political power is temporary and that administrations can change.
The Minority Leader pledged that the NPP would continue to scrutinise government decisions, demand accountability and challenge what it considers wrongdoing despite alleged attempts to suppress opposition voices.
“We’ll criticise you. We will hold you accountable and ensure you account for every cedi you spend. But the good news is that you are on your way to opposition,” he added.
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