Wontumi Arrest: We don’t even know if he is okay – Manhyia South MP gets emotional

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has strongly defended the recent protest by minority MPs at the headquarters of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO). According to him, the action was not just legal but necessary to resist what he described as the misuse of state power in Ghana.

The protest was part of a broader demonstration by the minority in Parliament to show solidarity with Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Chairman Wontumi was recently invited by EOCO and later granted bail under what the Minority claims were “harsh and unreasonable conditions.”

“We Are Exercising Our Constitutional Rights”—MP” Speaks Out

Speaking in an interview with JoyNews during the peaceful walk, Nana Baffour Awuah reminded Ghanaians that the right to protest is guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution.

“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 is what we are exploring today,” he said.

He made it clear that this wasn’t just about Chairman Wontumi, but a stand against what they believe is state agencies being used to intimidate citizens, especially those who are perceived to be political opponents or influential voices.

“This is not about one person,” he emphasized. “It is about the broader issue of how state power is being applied — and misapplied.”

Protest Not Meant to Disrupt, But to Send a Message

The MP was quick to clarify that the protest was not aimed at disrupting public peace. Rather, it was to send a strong message to EOCO and the general public that such treatment of citizens by state institutions is wrong.

“Sending a clear signal for the whole of Ghana to see that this is inappropriate — I don’t think that spoils anything,” he stated.

“It might be Wontumi today, but who knows who it might be tomorrow? That is why we are here.”

EOCO Knows the Law – Yet They Act This Way?

Mr. Baffour Awuah also expressed deep concern about the way EOCO, a state agency with legal experts and security professionals, handled Chairman Wontumi’s case.

“Don’t forget EOCO has its own lawyers. Do not forget they are a security agency. Don’t forget they know what the law says. But even with all that knowledge, they went ahead and placed onerous bail conditions on him.”

This, according to the MP, is a clear abuse of power. He explained that these conditions are meant to intimidate and not to serve justice.

“We see this as a pattern that can become dangerous if not checked. That’s why we are raising alarm now.”

Court Action Alone Is Not Enough

Some people have suggested that if the Minority has issues with EOCO’s actions, they should take the matter to court. But the MP disagrees with that argument.

“Going to court is one option, yes. But it is not enough,” he said. “There are many ways of fighting injustice. Peaceful protest is also a legitimate and powerful way of sending a message.”

“What we are doing is not illegal. It’s not violent. It is not chaotic, and lawful protest under the Ghanaian Constitution.”

Background: Why the Minority Is Angry

The current protest stems from the invitation and subsequent bail of Chairman Wontumi by EOCO. While details of the case have not been made fully public, there are reports that it relates to alleged financial misconduct or links to galamsey (illegal mining) operations.

What has upset the Minority, however, is not just the investigation itself, but the “harsh and excessive bail conditions” placed on Wontumi, which they argue are designed to humiliate and suppress.

The Minority MPs believe Wontumi is being targeted for political reasons, and that the state machinery is being used to intimidate him and others perceived as threats.

This concern prompted a walkout from Parliament last week, followed by the protest march to EOCO’s office.

Protest Seen as a Message to All Ghanaians

Mr. Baffour Awuah explained that their action was not just for Chairman Wontumi but to alert all Ghanaians to the potential dangers of unchecked power.

“If we don’t speak up today, one day you could be the one treated unfairly by a powerful state agency,” he warned.

“When state institutions act with impunity, the people must rise and say ‘enough is enough.’ That is what democracy is all about.”

Wontumi’s Silence and the Political Undertones

Interestingly, Chairman Wontumi himself has remained largely silent about the incident. Some believe his silence is part of a legal strategy, while others suggest it could be due to pressure from within the party or legal counsel.

Meanwhile, political watchers believe this incident has exposed deep tensions between EOCO and the political class, particularly in the Ashanti Region, which is the stronghold of the NPP.

With the 2024 elections fast approaching, many are also reading political motives into the handling of this case. Some see it as an attempt to weaken the NPP’s influence, while others believe it is a routine legal matter being blown out of proportion for political gain.

What Happens Next?

The protest has ended peacefully for now, but the Minority has promised to continue resisting what they call political persecution. There are calls for EOCO to review its handling of the case, especially the bail conditions, which many feel are unfair.

On the other hand, government officials and some legal experts argue that state institutions should be allowed to do their job without political interference.

The debate is far from over.

Final Words from the MP

As the protest came to a close, Mr. Baffour Awuah had one final message:

“We are not here to fight. We’re not here to confuse. Just here to defend our democracy, our rights, and the dignity of every Ghanaian. That is why we walked to EOCO today.”

Summary

Minority MPs protested at EOCO to show support for Chairman Wontumi and protest what they say is misuse of power.

Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, says the protest is lawful and necessary.

The MP believes EOCO’s handling of the case is meant to intimidate.

Harsh bail conditions placed on Wontumi triggered the Minority’s anger.

The MP says this is not about one person but a warning about state overreach.

The Minority says peaceful protest, alongside legal action, is the best way forward