Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, in an exchange meant to be humorous, directed Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to challenge the conviction of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in court instead of raising the matter during the debate in Parliament.

Ayariga's remark followed Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson's presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review on Thursday, July 23, 2026, when Afenyo-Markin reportedly referred to Wontumi's conviction during his response to the minister's statement.

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Reacting on the floor of Parliament, the Majority Leader questioned why the Minority Leader had chosen to criticise the judiciary while discussing the budget.

He further indicated that neither the Finance Minister nor the Attorney General was responsible for Wontumi's conviction.

"I am surprised that after we have been presented with a mid-year review of the budget, we are seeking to castigate the judiciary of this country," Ayariga said.

He stressed that the conviction was the outcome of a judicial process and urged the Minority Leader to pursue any grievances through the courts.

"You are castigating the judiciary because it is not the Attorney General who convicted Wontumi. It is not Ato Forson who convicted Wontumi. It is a judge who convicted Wontumi. So, the place to go to is the court where he has been convicted. Go and fight your case in the court," he stated.

The Majority Leader further expressed confidence in Ghana's judicial system, maintaining that the courts remained the appropriate avenue for challenging any ruling.

"I have full confidence in the judiciary, and I know that if you go there, you will be heard," he said.

Ayariga also argued that Parliament was not the appropriate platform to debate Wontumi's legal troubles, saying it would be unfair to make him the focus of discussions during deliberations on the government's fiscal policy.

"Mr Speaker, this is not a forum to discuss Wontumi. It would be unfair to Wontumi for us to make him the subject matter of debate," he added.

NA/VPO