The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has alleged that the recent National Security raid on his home was an attempt to frame him.

According to him, credible sources have informed him that the security operatives planned to plant cocaine, marijuana, or gold in his home to falsely implicate him.

He made these claims in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, asserting that the operatives would have succeeded if they had managed to enter his residence.

The raid occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, involving about 20 heavily armed police officers who arrived in five vehicles.

Chairman Wontumi recounted that despite being unwell, he had to physically block the officers at the gate as they attempted to force their way into the house.

He criticized the approach taken by the security forces, arguing that even if he were guilty of any wrongdoing, the appropriate step would have been to invite him for questioning.

“I am not someone who is hard to find or would ignore an invitation, so why would they do that? President Mahama should speak to his appointees about how they’re going about their duties,” he said.

Chairman Wontumi also confirmed a statement made by his aide, Oheneba Nana Asiedu, regarding a previous police invitation. He assured that he intends to honour it and will report to the authorities on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Wontumi alleges intimidation

Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has broken his silence following a dramatic raid by police and National Security operatives on his residence.

In a passionate and emotionally charged interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen show on Friday, May 23, the outspoken regional chairman accused the security forces of harassment, intimidation, and abuse of power, describing the raid as a deliberate act to embarrass him and possibly silence him.

“Why This Intimidation?” – Wontumi Questions Motive Behind Raid

Recounting the events that unfolded at his home, Chairman Wontumi said the situation began with a heated standoff that lasted close to 30 minutes. According to him, five vehicles pulled up outside his house with men claiming to be security operatives, but they allegedly failed to present a search warrant at the start.

“They came like a Hollywood movie scene,” he said. “I asked them for a warrant. They couldn’t show any. So why this intimidation? What have I done?”

Wontumi said he was forced to confront the men, refusing to allow them entry without the proper legal documentation. After making urgent calls to his contacts in government and security, the team initially withdrew—only to return in greater numbers.

Security Forces Return with Force – Wontumi’s Home Surrounded

According to Chairman Wontumi, the second wave of security action was even more intense. This time, over 100 armed officers, both police and military, stormed his premises.

“They came with guns, hammers, pickaxes, and even canes — yes, canes! Like they were ready for war.”

He said the men attempted to break down his door, ignoring his pleas and showing no concern for his safety or the legality of their actions.

“This is not the Ghana we know. This is not democracy. What exactly have I done?” he lamented.

Helicopter Allegedly on Standby to Fly Him to Tamale

In one of the most surprising revelations of the interview, Chairman Wontumi claimed that a helicopter was on standby, reportedly waiting to fly him to Tamale following a potential arrest.

“They had everything planned out. They wanted to arrest me and airlift me like I’m some kind of criminal,” he stated.

This detail has sparked widespread concern about the level of planning and coordination behind the raid, with many questioning who exactly sanctioned such a high-level operation.

“This Could Lead to a Coup” – Wontumi Warns

The NPP chairman issued a strong warning about the potential dangers of this kind of forceful and politically charged operation.

“If care is not taken, this country is heading for a military coup. You cannot use power anyhow just because you’re in office,” he warned.

He criticized what he sees as the growing culture of lawlessness under the current administration, saying that if this type of action can be taken against someone like him — a regional chairman of the ruling party for the past eight years — then ordinary Ghanaians have no protection.

“I Am Not a CEO or Minister – So Why Target Me?”

Chairman Wontumi expressed deep frustration and pain over what he views as unfair treatment by the very system he helped support.

“Throughout the NPP administration, I was not appointed as a CEO, I didn’t chair any board, and I wasn’t even a deputy minister. So why me? Why this harassment now that my party is not in power?”

He insisted that his only crime appears to be that he campaigned hard for his party, and now that the NPP lost the last elections, some forces are out to destroy him.

Bank Accounts Frozen – Businesses Under Threat

Chairman Wontumi also disclosed that all his personal and company bank accounts have been frozen, including those related to his Akonta Mining company and other businesses.

“My companies can’t operate. People’s salaries can’t be paid. My workers are suffering — just because someone wants to bring me down,” he added.

He accused the government of using financial institutions to cripple his business empire, a move he said was not only politically motivated but also damaging to jobs and livelihoods.

Defending His Mining Operations – “I Plant Coconut, Not Gold”

Wontumi took time to address accusations regarding illegal mining or improper use of his concessions. He revealed that he has not stepped on his mining land for seven years, having instead converted the land into a coconut plantation.

“Right now, there are 18,000 coconut trees on that land. We’re planning to plant 32,000 more — bringing the total to 50,000,” he explained.

He also clarified that he has never operated in the Samreboi Forest Reserve, and believes he is being wrongly targeted by people who don’t understand the facts.

Legal Action Against Lands Minister

Chairman Wontumi announced that he has filed a lawsuit against the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for preventing him from operating his legally acquired mining concessions.

He insists that he holds valid documentation for his operations, just like top international mining firms such as AngloGold and Newmont.

“If these foreign companies can work freely, why can’t a Ghanaian with legal papers do the same?” he asked.

A Call to President Mahama—“Call“ Your Boys to Order”

Wontumi ended his interview with a direct appeal to President John Mahama, asking him to rein in his appointees and bring an end to what he described as political revenge tactics.

“Mr President, I beg you. Tell your people to stop this. Ghana is a peaceful country. Let’s protect it.”

He also questioned whether his rights as a Ghanaian citizen were no longer valid, stating emotionally:

“Am I not a Ghanaian? Why treat me like a criminal?”