Despite earlier threats to boycott parliamentary proceedings, members of Ghana’s Minority Caucus were present in the Chamber on Friday, May 30, to conduct the business of the House.
Their return comes a day after they staged a dramatic walkout in protest of the continued detention of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
Although the Minority had vowed to stay away until Wontumi’s release, key figures including Frank Annor-Dompreh (Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri), Habib Iddrisu (First Deputy Minority Chief Whip and MP for Tolon), and Jerry Ahmed Shiab (Second Deputy Minority Chief Whip and MP for Weija-Gbawe), were all spotted on the floor of Parliament during the May 30 sitting.
Notably absent, however, was Minority Leader and Efutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who had spearheaded Thursday’s boycott and led a protest to EOCO headquarters demanding the release of the embattled party chairman.
Chairman Wontumi, who is facing charges related to causing financial loss to the state in a controversial EXIMBANK contract, was granted bail on May 28 to the tune of GH₵50 million. However, his failure to meet the bail conditions resulted in his continued detention.
While tensions remain high over the incident, Friday’s turnout suggests a possible shift in strategy by the Minority as Parliament proceeds with its legislative agenda.
