On Thursday, Minority Members of Parliament walked out of Parliament to protest the ongoing detention of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, who is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party.
The MPs assert that their protest is in support of Wontumi, who continues to be held in custody even after being granted bail by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
Wontumi was apprehended by EOCO as part of an investigation into his alleged participation in illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey.”
Officials claim that his arrest stems from suspected actions that have led to considerable financial losses for the state.
These actions include mining without a proper license, damaging forest reserves, and polluting water bodies in various areas of the Ashanti Region.
Previously, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service had summoned him for questioning regarding these issues.
After responding to the CID’s summons, Wontumi was taken into custody by EOCO for further questioning about related financial crimes.
His legal representatives have indicated that the charges primarily focus on environmental harm associated with unregulated mining activities and the consequent economic impact.
Despite being granted bail set at GH¢50 million with two sureties to be verified, he has been unable to meet the bail conditions and thus remains in EOCO’s custody.
The Minority in Parliament contends that the conditions surrounding his arrest and ongoing detention raise concerns about due process and transparency.
They are advocating for a just legal process and warning against what they perceive as the politicization of law enforcement.
Source: HotFmOnline.com
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