Some Members of Parliament (MPs) from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) sat on the floor in protest on Thursday, May 29, 2025, to show their support for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi. He is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP.
Chairman Wontumi was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for allegedly causing financial loss to the state. Even though he has been granted bail of GH¢50 million, he is still in EOCO custody because he has not been able to meet the bail conditions.
In response, the Minority MPs walked out of Parliament and refused to take part in the day’s sitting. They marched from Parliament House to the EOCO office located along the J.E.A. Mills Highway in Accra. When they arrived at the EOCO premises, the MPs sat on the floor as a way of peacefully demanding Wontumi’s release.
According to their leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the group believes that the bail conditions are too harsh. They are calling on EOCO to reduce or change the bail conditions so that Chairman Wontumi can meet them and be released from custody.
The protest caught the attention of many people, especially because it is not common to see lawmakers sitting on the ground in protest. Videos and pictures of the protest have since gone viral on social media.
Chairman Wontumi is a well-known figure in the NPP and his arrest has created serious debate among the public. While some believe the law should take its course, others say the case is politically motivated.
The NPP MPs say they will continue to show support until Wontumi is treated fairly and given a chance to meet his bail conditions.
Watch the video below
https://youtube.com/watch?v=LOj4V1XmyUY%3Fshowinfo%3D0
