A photo collage of Bernard Ahiafor and Afenyo-Markin
The Minority Leader of Parliament Alexander Afenyo-Markin issued a caution to First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, amid discussions in Parliament concerning the arrest and detention of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
During his submission on the floor of Parliament at the time of Wontumi’s arrest, Afenyo-Markin criticised what he described as the biased and capricious conduct of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), warning against the selective persecution of political opponents.
He urged the Deputy Speaker, who was presiding at the time, to stand firm and allow Parliament to exercise its mandate in ensuring rightful accountability, rather than permitting perceived political witch-hunts.
“Mr Speaker never should it happen to any politician that you will be leaving office and you start getting worried that what will happen to me tomorrow. We should freely save our country. Let the records bare me out.
“I support accountability, but accountability must be seen to be done. The rule of law must be followed, and due process must be followed.”
He cautioned the Majority side of the House not to gloat over Chairman Wontumi’s predicament, stressing that political power is not permanent.
“Mr Speaker pleased permit me to speak, tomorrow it maybe you, Mr speaker tomorrow it maybe you and I will be there for you, today some of our colleagues are in government, you can never tell. Something may happen that may not be your fault. We will all remain in this chamber and you may call on us. You are in government today and 2028 you cannot be sure.”
The Minority Leader reminded the House of the NPP’s past dominance in Parliament, noting the sharp decline in numbers.
“We had 169 Members in the House before, and in less than two years, we are ‘apa’ [fallen]. So don’t be too happy and don’t jubilate.”
He called on members from both sides to speak out against what he described as abuse of power by EOCO.
“Mr. Speaker, it is clear that EOCO is being capricious and biased. We must not entertain it.”
AM/KA
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