The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has spoken out strongly against what he describes as political persecution by the current government.

This comes after a group of police officers and National Security operatives, holding a valid search warrant, stormed his house to conduct a search. The incident, which occurred recently, has stirred tension and sparked a national conversation on how political opponents are treated.

“Am I Not a Ghanaian Anymore?” – Wontumi Laments

Speaking to journalists shortly after the search, Chairman Wontumi couldn’t hide his frustration and disappointment. According to him, the search was not just a routine operation, but rather a calculated attempt to harass and intimidate him because of his political affiliation with the NPP.

“Am I not a Ghanaian anymore? Just because Mahama has won the elections and is now President, does it mean I’ve lost my rights as a citizen?” he asked emotionally.

He said what happened was an abuse of power, claiming that President John Dramani Mahama is using state security to settle political scores with him.

“Ghanaians, Rise Up!” – A Call to Action

Chairman Wontumi used the opportunity to call on all NPP supporters and well-meaning Ghanaians to speak out against what he called injustice.

“Ghanaians, rise! Arise, Ghanaians! All NPP supporters should rise. This is not just about me—it could be anyone tomorrow. It is because of you that Mahama is treating me this way.”

He believes his only offense is that he campaigned hard for his party and now he’s being punished for his loyalty.

“I’ve Never Held Any Government Position!”

In defending himself, Wontumi emphasized that he has never held any public office, yet he is being treated like a former minister or top government official.

“Was I ever a Vice President? Have I ever chaired any government board? Was I a CEO or minister? No. I’m just the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP. My job is to campaign for my party—that’s all.”

He believes the ruling administration is simply trying to silence him and others who are critical of the government.

Accusations of Economic Sabotage

Chairman Wontumi didn’t stop there. He went further to accuse the Mahama-led government of destroying his businesses and freezing his bank accounts just to frustrate him financially.

“You collapsed my business back in 2013. Since you came back into office, you’ve halted all my operations. Even my personal bank account that I use to feed my family has been frozen,” he alleged.

These claims are serious, and if true, they raise concerns about economic targeting of opposition figures in Ghana.

Ghanaians React: Is This Witch-Hunting or Law Enforcement?

Wontumi’s comments have generated mixed reactions across the country. Some people believe he is being unfairly targeted just because of his political affiliation. Others argue that if there’s evidence against him, the law should take its course.

Already, some political watchers have described the situation as a test for Ghana’s democracy and how the country balances law enforcement with political freedoms.

Police and National Security storm Wontumi’s residence

In a dramatic development that has shocked many within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), a combined team of police officers and National Security operatives have stormed the residence of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in the Ashanti Region.

The operation, which occurred in the early hours of the day, was executed under a search warrant, giving the officers legal authority to search his premises. This has raised serious questions and triggered a strong reaction from party members and the general public alike.

Warrant Seen – But Reasons Remain Unclear

According to Joy News, which claims to have sighted the search warrant, the operatives were indeed permitted by law to carry out a full search of Chairman Wontumi’s home.

However, the exact reason behind this action remains a mystery. So far, neither the Ghana Police Service nor the Ministry of National Security has issued an official explanation. The warrant itself reportedly does not specify what the officers are looking for, leaving room for public speculation.

This lack of clarity has created widespread concern and anxiety among both supporters and critics of the NPP.

Chairman Wontumi’s Whereabouts Unknown

As at the time of the search, the current location of Chairman Wontumi is not known. Several attempts by the media to reach him have proven unsuccessful, and he is yet to issue any official statement.

This has added a fresh layer of uncertainty to the situation. Some sources suggest he may be out of town, while others speculate he could be in hiding due to intense political pressure. Until he surfaces or releases a statement, his silence will continue to fuel all kinds of rumours.

Tension at the Scene – Top NPP Officials Rush In

Shortly after news of the raid broke, senior NPP executives in the Ashanti Region reportedly rushed to Chairman Wontumi’s residence. Eyewitnesses say there was heavy police presence, with a few plainclothes personnel also seen moving in and out of the property.

Many expressed shock and frustration, describing the move as a political ambush meant to embarrass a key figure of the ruling party in its strongest stronghold.

One NPP youth organiser, who spoke to Joy News under the condition of anonymity, said:

“This is disgraceful. If there’s any issue, they should have invited him for questioning.

Reactions on Social Media – Party Base Riled Up

The news of the search has sparked a storm on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, where supporters of Chairman Wontumi are expressing anger and disbelief.

Hashtags like #IStandWithWontumi, #RespectRuleOfLaw, and #WontumiRaid began trending shortly after the news broke.

A Facebook user posted:

“This is not just about Wontumi. We must demand answers.”

Political Implications—Is There Trouble Within?

Chairman Wontumi is no ordinary figure within the NPP.

This development raises the possibility of internal tensions or power struggles within the party. Some political analysts say this may not just be a legal matter but also a test of political loyalty and influence.

A political science lecturer from the University of Ghana remarked on radio:

Previous Controversies and Rivalries

Chairman Wontumi is no stranger to controversy.

He recently clashed with some NPP regional executives over delegate list disputes, and there have been whispers of friction between him and certain national-level party leaders.

party members think so, especially given the timing – with the 2024 elections not far off and the NPP gearing up for a strong campaign.

Public Concern Over Use of Force

Many Ghanaians, even outside party lines, have raised concerns over the style of the operation. Raiding the home of a public figure, especially one with no known criminal charges, raises important questions about due process and respect for civil liberties.

Some civil society organisations have already called for an official explanation from the Ministry of National Security and the Ghana Police Service.

One such organisation, the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), tweeted:

“We expect transparency and accountability. Searches must be justified and not perceived as political harassment.”