Wontumi's arrest: NDC hardliners trying to show us where power lies, we'll march to EOCO again — Annoh-Dompreh

Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh has launched a scathing critique of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), accusing the institution of targeting Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Wontumi, for political reasons.

Annoh-Dompreh also criticised former President John Dramani Mahama for remaining silent amid what he called “abuse of power” by state institutions.

“He is looking on while EOCO and NDC hardliners act with impunity. All they are doing is trying to show us where power lies,” he remarked in an interview on Peace FM today.

He warned that continued inaction could prompt a renewed protest from the Minority. “If this persists, we may be forced to march to EOCO again,” he cautioned.

Annoh-Dompreh also revealed that Wontumi is currently on a hunger strike while in EOCO custody, with his health status remaining unclear.

“The truth of the matter is that Wontumi has decided not to eat. He is on a hunger strike. And the doctors are not telling us anything. What we know is that they have taken him to the NIB clinic. But as to his state of health, the drugs being given to him, and how the doctors are taking care of him is not known,” he said.

He further accused EOCO officials of obstructing Wontumi’s access to legal counsel, a move he likened to a deliberate violation of fundamental human rights.

“If you look at the bail condition and the behaviour of EOCO officials, denying him access to his lawyer… even in murder cases, the suspects have access to their lawyers. This is purely political persecution and it is intentional,” Annoh-Dompreh added.

The Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP claimed the detention forms part of a larger plan to destabilize the NPP in its political heartland.

“They know Ashanti Region is the NPP's stronghold and if they succeed in taking down the head, that is the Chairman, then they believe they've won,” he alleged.

Annoh-Dompreh did not spare Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai, accusing him of prejudicing the case by publicly alleging that Wontumi was involved in fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.

“His assertion does not make sense to me. He is just throwing anything out there. If you have a case, take him to court. Why freeze his bank accounts, seize his cars, and still deny him access to his lawyers?” he asked.

He questioned how the Deputy AG would react if roles were reversed. “Would Srem-Sai be happy if he is not allowed to eat and is denied legal access in future if accused of a crime by the state?” he challenged.