Prof. Gyampo and Dr. Norman Criticize NPP Over Chairman Wontumi’s Bail.
The Acting CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has expressed confidence that members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are financially capable of meeting the GHC50 million bail condition imposed on their Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
According to Prof. Gyampo, the real issue is not a lack of funds, but rather the reluctance of party members to use their personal properties as surety. Speaking on TV3's The Key Points on Saturday, May 31, he questioned the narrative that the bail amount is too high for the NPP.
“Are we to be fooled into believing that the GHC50 million bail is too much for the NPP to meet? They are just afraid of using their properties to bail Wontumi,” he said. “They think we don’t know what they have?”
Earlier, Dr. Ishmael Norman, President and CEO of the Institute for Security, Disaster and Emergency Studies, also questioned why the NPP has not yet fulfilled the bail requirement. Appearing on TV3’s News Central on Friday, May 30, Dr. Norman argued that with the NPP’s collective wealth, the bail should not be an issue.
“I empathise with the micro minority because one of their kind is under stress and is perceived to be intimidated by the state security,” he said. “But since Kpebu’s Supreme Court suit and the ruling, all offences are now bailable. That doesn’t mean one can disregard bail conditions.
“They aren’t even being asked to pay GHC50 million upfront—it’s a matter of providing sureties. With the party’s assets, and even Wontumi’s own wealth, which he often boasts about in Kumasi, they should easily be able to provide two sureties worth that amount.”
These comments come as the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to immediately revoke the GHC50 million bail imposed on Chairman Wontumi, arguing that the condition is punitive.
In his first appearance on the floor of Parliament since the House resumed on Tuesday, May 27, Afenyo-Markin was initially challenged by the First Deputy Speaker, who cited Orders 93 and 67 of the Standing Orders. However, after members stood up in protest, chanting and singing portions of the national anthem, the Speaker granted the Minority Leader leave to address the House.
Afenyo-Markin argued that Wontumi is unwell and currently receiving care at the NIB Clinic. He described EOCO’s action as punitive and urged the office to revoke the bail condition, warning that the Minority would boycott proceedings if their demand was not met.
“EOCO must, without delay, revoke the bail condition,” he insisted. “It’s clear the GHC50 million bail is meant to punish him.”
Despite his plea, the First Deputy Speaker ruled that Parliament cannot intervene in the matter, as it does not have the authority to direct EOCO. In response, the Minority staged a walkout in solidarity with Chairman Wontumi.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0