We’re scared we don’t who is next after Wontumi – NPP MP

The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has backed the Minority’s decision to protest at the headquarters of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). He believes the demonstration is a legal and necessary action to push back against what he sees as the abuse of state power.

Speaking to JoyNews during the protest walk, which was organised to show support for NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (popularly known as Chairman Wontumi), the MP said they were simply exercising their rights as citizens.

What he said

“Under the laws of Ghana, we also have the right to protest. In fact, there is a right of protest under the constitution and that right is what we are exploring in addition to whatever other avenues we will be exploring,” he said.

He stressed that the protest wasn’t only about Chairman Wontumi but also about a larger concern regarding how power is used by state institutions.

“Which in this case is to say that it is inappropriate for state agencies to use the power given to them by the Republic to intimidate people, to place on them onerous bail conditions,” he explained.

According to Mr. Baffour Awuah, the Minority had to act now because what is happening to Wontumi could easily happen to anyone else.

“I think it is important that we also do this because it might be Wontumi today; we don’t know who it might be tomorrow,” he said.

He made it clear that the protest was peaceful and not meant to disturb public peace. Their main aim, he said, was to draw national attention to what they see as unfair treatment and the misuse of authority.

“And so sending a clear signal for the whole of Ghana to see that this is inappropriate and to draw their attention to it, I don’t think it spoils anything,” he added.

He also pointed out that EOCO

He also pointed out that EOCO, as a law enforcement agency, should have known better.

“Don’t forget they have their lawyers; don’t forget it is a security agency; don’t forget they know that this is the position of the law, but they have done it,” he said.

Mr. Baffour Awuah concluded by saying that while legal action is important, it is not the only path. He believes protests like this one are also necessary to fight injustice and make their concerns known.

“And so it will not take just the court but also protests of this nature, which is what we are exploring,” the MP said.