“You’re an Honorable; Don’t Sit on the Floor to Protest” – Dormaahene to Afenyo-Markin

The Dormaahene and President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Osagyefo Dr. Fredua Agyemang Badu II, has humorously criticized Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin over his recent protest at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra.

Commenting on the Minority Caucus’s sit-in at EOCO demanding the release of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the Dormaahene expressed his disapproval of Afenyo-Markin’s actions.

“I’m not against people supporting him, but I was uncomfortable seeing the Minority Leader, Afenyo-Markin, sitting on the ground at EOCO. He is an honorable man. If he ever intends to do that again, he should inform me in advance so I can send someone with a chair,” the chief remarked sarcastically.

While he acknowledged his personal fondness for Chairman Wontumi, the Dormaahene emphasized that his admiration does not override the rule of law.

“I like Chairman Wontumi a lot, but that doesn’t mean legal procedures should be ignored. If I were in the wrong, I’d expect the law to take its course.”

His comments come in the wake of the Minority’s demonstration on Thursday, May 29, which saw MPs march from Parliament to EOCO, blocking traffic and prompting a heightened police presence. They were protesting what they described as politically motivated persecution and misuse of state institutions against Wontumi.

Chairman Wontumi had been arrested on May 27 over alleged financial misconduct involving the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM BANK). Although EOCO granted him bail, the conditions—GH₵50 million with two sureties to be justified—had not yet been satisfied at the time of the protest.