A combined team of national security operatives and police officers has stormed the residence of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The operation, which is currently ongoing, has seen the security personnel surround the premises, although the reasons for the raid remain unclear. It is also not yet confirmed whether Chairman Wontumi is present in the house.

Channel One TV’s journalist Hafiz Tijani, reporting from the scene, said tension is high in the area as the heavily armed officers maintain a firm presence around the compound.

More details soon…

Joy News Report

A combined team of police officers and National Security operatives has stormed the residence of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to execute a search warrant.

The search warrant, sighted by Joy News, indicate that the operatives are authorised to conduct a search of his premises.

However, the specific reasons behind the search remain unclear at this time.

The current whereabouts of Chairman Wontumi are unknown.

Several senior NPP officials in the region have reportedly gathered at the scene in response to the unfolding development.

In other news

Adenta Kumi allegedly picked up in dawn raid by armed men

There is growing concern across the country following the arrest of Alfred Ababio Kumi, popularly known as Adenta Kumi, in a dramatic early morning raid at his residence. The arrest, carried out by heavily armed state operatives, has sparked a wave of criticism, especially from politicians and civil society groups concerned about freedom of speech and rule of law in Ghana.

How the Arrest Happened

Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, broke the news on Facebook early Friday morning. According to him, Adenta Kumi was arrested around dawn, just about three hours before his post went live.

In his words, the arrest was executed by eight armed men, believed to be from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). The MP described the scene as one that “looked like a Rambo movie”:

Six of the men wore masks and carried AK-47 rifles

Two others were in plain clothes, not in any official uniform

“These Rambo-style actions by government continue to raise concerns that bother on free speech and good governance,” Hon. Assafuah wrote. He also added the hashtag: #FreeAdentaKumiNow, calling for Kumi’s immediate release.

Family Also Confirms Arrest

Sources close to the family of Adenta Kumi have also confirmed to Citi News that the arrest indeed happened as described. They say the operatives came in with force and left with Kumi without providing any formal reason or showing an arrest warrant.

The motive behind the arrest is still not clear. As at now, there has been no official response from either the NIB or the Ministry of National Security.

Why This May Be Linked to the Chief Justice Petition

Many believe the arrest may be connected to Kumi’s recent petition to former President John Dramani Mahama, in which he called for the dissolution of the committee probing the possible removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Kumi had expressed serious concerns about the fairness of the committee, citing possible misconduct by some Supreme Court judges.

According to his petition:

On May 15, 2025, after the committee held its first sitting,

Three judges—Justice Pwamang, Justice Adibu-Asiedu, and Justice Yoni Kulendi—were allegedly seen dining with Lawyer Thaddeus Sory,

Thaddeus Sory is the lawyer for Daniel Ofori, the man who filed the petition to remove the Chief Justice.

Kumi claimed that during this dinner at Santoku Restaurant in Accra, the group was overheard discussing matters related to the case—a serious allegation if proven true.

Public Reaction and Rising Tensions

The arrest has sparked outrage among members of the public, especially on social media. Many are questioning why such a heavy-handed approach was used to arrest a civilian who simply raised legal and constitutional concerns through a petition.

Several Ghanaians are now asking:

Why was Adenta Kumi not invited to answer questions instead of being arrested at dawn?

Why were armed and masked men involved in what should be a legal or civil matter?

Is this an attempt to intimidate or silence critics of the ongoing Chief Justice probe?

Call for Calm and Transparency

For now, people are calling on the NIB and National Security to explain the arrest publicly. Legal experts say such arrests—if not handled properly—can create fear and damage trust in the government and its institutions.

The Old Tafo MP, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has made it clear that he will not stop speaking out until justice is done and Kumi is released or properly charged.

What Happens Next?

Ghanaians are closely watching to see how this matter unfolds. For many, it is not just about one man, but about how citizens are treated when they speak up.

With no official charges yet, and a petition hanging in the air, questions are being raised about the direction of Ghana’s democracy and freedom of expression under current conditions.

For now, the country waits—for answers, for justice, and for the truth behind this arrest.