Wontumi Saga: Why did you sit on the floor? – Asiedu Nketiah takes on NPP MPs

The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has spoken out about the recent arrest of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi.

In an interview with Onua TV on June 11, 2025, Asiedu Nketiah explained that Chairman Wontumi was picked up by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to answer charges levelled against him.

He criticised the reaction of some NPP members, led by Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who protested at EOCO’s premises following the arrest.

“I heard he was invited by EOCO to respond to allegations of illegal mining and was later arrested again over money he received for a contract but failed to execute. EOCO later said within 48 hours, he would either be granted bail or taken to court. If he opted for bail, it would come with conditions,” Asiedu Nketiah said.

He questioned the logic behind the NPP protest, arguing that Chairman Wontumi’s case was simply going through the legal process and there was no need for drama.

“After the arrest, EOCO gave him bail conditions. So what was the point of the protest and demonstration by NPP MPs led by Afenyo-Markin? They even sat on the floor in front of EOCO in protest. I couldn’t understand the uproar,” he added.

Asiedu Nketiah also urged the NPP to act more reasonably when dealing with such matters.

“When you lead a political party, your speech must be thoughtful and constructive—something that inspires confidence. Always reacting emotionally doesn’t help. Political leaders must show maturity and encourage calm, reasoned dialogue,” he said.

Chairman Wontumi was invited by EOCO and detained for questioning on alleged corruption-related charges. He was later granted bail of GH¢50,000 with two sureties after fulfilling the required conditions.