Ghana’s political heat just got turned up a notch — and this time, it’s not coming from the ruling party.
Minority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin has publicly called out the Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Raymond Archer, over what he describes as political harassment and unfair treatment meted out to NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The drama unfolded as members of the Minority in Parliament staged a sit-in protest outside EOCO’s headquarters, demanding answers over Wontumi’s continued detention. Afenyo-Markin didn’t mince his words, and his message was crystal clear: power is temporary — so use it wisely.
Here are seven strong points he raised that are sparking nationwide conversation:
“You won’t be EOCO boss forever”
In a statement that echoed throughout the protest, Afenyo-Markin warned Raymond Archer that his time as EOCO boss is not permanent. “He will not be the Executive Director of EOCO forever,” he declared, reminding Archer that every government appointee eventually leaves office — and it’s better to leave with their reputation intact. The Minority Leader’s tone carried a blend of warning and advice: act fairly, because the tables could turn.
Power is transient, so don’t misuse it
Afenyo-Markin emphasized that today’s authority figure could become tomorrow’s ordinary citizen. He cautioned EOCO not to use state power to settle political scores or to serve the interest of one side of the political divide. “He must be mindful of how he goes about things,” he said, stressing the importance of neutrality and professionalism in such sensitive roles.
EOCO officials are dodging calls and tossing MPs around
According to the Minority Leader, efforts to engage EOCO in a peaceful dialogue have been met with outright dismissiveness. “You call them, and they won’t even respond. You try to engage them, they say okay, but the next moment, they start tossing you around,” he lamented. This lack of cooperation, in his view, undermines trust in state institutions.
“The man is sick – do you want him to die?”
Afenyo-Markin shifted the spotlight to Wontumi’s health, slamming EOCO for allegedly detaining a man who isn’t in the best condition. “The man is sick; he is in their sick bay — do they want him to die so they can mourn him?” he questioned, insinuating that EOCO’s current treatment of Wontumi could have dire consequences. He urged them to show a little compassion, especially since Wontumi voluntarily complied with the law.
Double standards and selective justice
Using a classic political reversal, Afenyo-Markin challenged EOCO and the ruling NDC to imagine the scenario in reverse. “If the NPP were in power and a regional chairman of another party had been arrested, we would have heard what the NDC would say,” he noted. The implication? There appears to be a double standard depending on who is in power — and that’s not how democracy should work.
A personal appeal to President Mahama
Going beyond EOCO, the Minority Leader sent a message straight to the top. “I am taking this opportunity to appeal to President Mahama. It is my humble appeal that he calls those hawks to order,” he said. The term “hawks” was a clear jab at what he sees as overzealous agents acting with impunity under the new administration. He added that being humane doesn’t prevent proper investigation — it only makes the process just.
Wontumi’s bail still hanging in the air
Despite being granted bail of GH₵50 million with two sureties, Wontumi remains in EOCO custody. His legal team has reportedly managed to secure only one surety so far, leaving him behind bars. His arrest followed a visit to the CID headquarters on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, and many within the NPP now see his continued detention as politically motivated, especially given the heavy bail conditions and the delays in processing.
