We did not oppose Wontumi's EOCO invitation, only the bail conditions - Effia MP clarifies
Isaac Boamah-Nyarko is MP for Effia
The Member of Parliament for Effia, Isaac Boamah-Nyarko, has clarified that neither the Minority Caucus in Parliament nor the New Patriotic Party (NPP) opposed the Economic and Organised Crime Office’s (EOCO) invitation of Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
According to him, the party's only concern was what they described as the "harsh and excessive" bail conditions imposed on Wontumi.
Chairman Wontumi was arrested and detained by EOCO on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, after leaving the CID headquarters.
He was taken in for further questioning over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities, including operations in forest reserves without proper authorisation.
His detention triggered widespread public discourse and prompted the Minority Caucus to stage demonstrations at EOCO’s offices in protest.
In an interview with GhanaWeb’s George Ayisi, Boamah-Nyarko explained that the NPP’s concern was not about EOCO's legal authority to invite Wontumi, but rather the punitive nature of the bail conditions.
"Whoever set that bail bond at EOCO, we thought it should be reviewed downwards. Bail is not supposed to be punishment; it is merely a guarantee that the accused will be available for investigations or court proceedings. Even if you place a GH¢100 million bail, it doesn’t pay for any crime. It’s only to ensure presence,” he stated.
The Effia MP stressed that the NPP respects the rule of law and the authority of investigative institutions, but urged for fairness and consistency in how justice is applied.
“On Chairman Wontumi’s case, we felt the state was being unnecessarily hard on him. Perhaps, they wanted to send a message or assert power, but now that bail has been secured, the state should proceed with prosecution if there is a genuine case,” he added.
Watch his full interview below:
John Mahama and NDC have betrayed Ghanaians - Effia MP on 1% Energy Levy hike
SP/AE
#TrendingGH: Drivers react to government’s new GH¢1 energy levy on petroleum products
