The Minority Caucus in Parliament made a swift return to the House on Friday, 30 May 2025, following a brief boycott in protest of the bail conditions imposed on Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Wontumi was arrested on Tuesday, 27 May, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), and later granted bail set at GH₵50 million—an amount the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its allies have condemned as excessive and politically motivated.
On Thursday, 29 May, Minority MPs walked out of Parliament in protest, led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who described the bail terms as unfair. “We are not going to ask for any property. We don’t have GH₵50 million. Where is he going to get it from? They must do the right thing, and we will not be part of any proceeding until then,” he told Parliament before exiting the chamber.
He further pledged unwavering support for Wontumi, saying, “We will stand with him. If it means we have to spend nights with him, we will do so.”
However, in a notable turn of events, members of the Minority Caucus were present in the House the next day, actively participating in proceedings. While the reasons for the reversal were not officially stated, it hints at possible behind-the-scenes engagements or assurances that helped to calm tensions.
Meanwhile, Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, confirmed on Thursday via his official Facebook account that Chairman Wontumi is being investigated for several serious offences. These include fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.
“Suspect Bernard Antwi Boasiako, a.k.a. Chairman Wontumi, is under investigation for various criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the State, and money laundering,” the Deputy Attorney General stated, adding that EOCO is spearheading the probe and has commenced asset recovery efforts related to suspected proceeds of crime.
Read Also: Wontumi under probe for alleged fraud, money laundering and international organised crime – Deputy A-G
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