Opposition lawmakers walked out of Parliament on Thursday after leaders refused to help their party chairman. Bernard Antwi Boasiako remains locked up despite judges approving his release Wednesday. Alexander Afenyo-Markin led the angry lawmakers from the chamber during heated debates. The group accused government investigators of making unfair demands on the regional party leader. Crime fighters want 50 million cedis before Boasiako can leave jail.
The party chairman faces questions about money deals at Ghana Export-Import Bank since his arrest Tuesday. Investigators suspect he handled bank funds improperly during his business activities. Courts approved his bail but he cannot find two people to guarantee his return for trial. Afenyo-Markin called the bail amount unrealistic for ordinary citizens to pay. He warned that such harsh treatment will hurt future political cooperation.
The minority leader promised lawmakers would boycott Parliament sessions until officials treat Boasiako fairly. He said his party members plan to sleep at the jail with their chairman. The dramatic exit left other lawmakers shocked and highlighted growing tensions over the case. Afenyo-Markin stressed they support law enforcement but demand equal treatment for all politicians. The protest shows how political fights affect government business.
The party chairman faces questions about money deals at Ghana Export-Import Bank since his arrest Tuesday. Investigators suspect he handled bank funds improperly during his business activities. Courts approved his bail but he cannot find two people to guarantee his return for trial. Afenyo-Markin called the bail amount unrealistic for ordinary citizens to pay. He warned that such harsh treatment will hurt future political cooperation.
The minority leader promised lawmakers would boycott Parliament sessions until officials treat Boasiako fairly. He said his party members plan to sleep at the jail with their chairman. The dramatic exit left other lawmakers shocked and highlighted growing tensions over the case. Afenyo-Markin stressed they support law enforcement but demand equal treatment for all politicians. The protest shows how political fights affect government business.
