NPP MPs' Boycott Parliament, Demand Release of Chairman Wontumi from EOCO Custody
NPP minority MPs walk out of Parliament to protest Chairman Wontumi’s detention, demanding his release from EOCO after failing to meet a GHS 50 million bail.
Isaac Mintah 
The Minority Members of Parliament (MPs) from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) staged a dramatic walkout of parliamentary proceedings today, heading en masse to the headquarters of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to demand the release of Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The protest stems from the continued detention of Chairman Wontumi, who has been unable to meet the GHS 50 million bail condition imposed on him following his arrest and interrogation by EOCO.
The MPs, dressed in solidarity attire, described their action as a “defense of justice, due process, and party loyalty.” They gathered outside the EOCO premises, chanting and calling for the immediate release of their party executive.
Background
Chairman Wontumi was recently arrested in connection with ongoing investigations into alleged financial malfeasance and other economic offences. Details of the allegations remain unclear, but EOCO imposed a bail bond of 50 million Ghana cedis, which he has so far been unable to satisfy, leading to his continued detention.
The NPP parliamentary minority views the bail condition as excessive and politically motivated, sparking today's protest.
Parliament Halted
The walkout by nearly half of the minority caucus caused a temporary suspension of business in Parliament, with the Speaker forced to adjourn deliberations due to a lack of quorum.
Several MPs who participated in the walkout expressed concern that the case against Wontumi may be part of a broader pattern of political persecution ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Party Reaction and Public Debate
While the NPP has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, the protest has stirred significant public and political discourse. Some critics argue that MPs should not use parliamentary privilege to interfere in ongoing investigations, while others applaud their demonstration of party unity.
EOCO, for its part, has not commented on the MPs' presence at its headquarters.
