NPP supporters attack police pickup trucks at EOCO head office
There was total confusion at the headquarters of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra on Tuesday, May 27, after some supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) clashed with the police over the arrest of their Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The dramatic incident happened just hours after Wontumi was picked up by EOCO officials shortly after leaving the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) where he had reported for questioning over allegations of illegal mining, popularly known in Ghana as galamsey.
What was supposed to be a normal investigation quickly turned into a political storm.
Chaos at EOCO Headquarters
Supporters of the NPP, especially from the Ashanti Region and Accra, started arriving at the EOCO head office from the morning. By midday, the place was full of angry and emotional party faithful, demanding answers about why their beloved chairman had been rearrested.
According to Latif Iddrisu, a JoyNews journalist who was on the ground, the situation got out of hand when two police pickup trucks drove into the compound.
“The crowd banged on the vehicles and tried to block their path. The officers had to force their way through the angry supporters,” Latif reported.
Some supporters threw objects, others shouted insults, and a few even physically confronted the police, leading to minor scuffles that required intervention from additional security officers.
It was a chaotic and emotionally charged atmosphere. Some party supporters were seen screaming Wontumi’s name, while others held placards and posters, calling for his immediate release.
The Video
Why Was Chairman Wontumi Arrested?
Wontumi, one of the most powerful figures in the NPP and known for his flamboyant style and influence in the Ashanti Region, had earlier been invited by the CID to assist in investigations into his alleged involvement in illegal mining activities and unauthorised entry into forest reserves.
He complied with the invitation and appeared at the CID headquarters in Accra for interrogation. After a few hours of questioning, he was granted bail and was preparing to leave.
But just as he was exiting, he was intercepted by EOCO officers in a dramatic manner that many have described as a “rambo-style arrest.”
Big NPP Names Show Up
The tension at EOCO became even more serious when some senior NPP national executives arrived at the scene. These included the General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, and the National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B).
The two men, visibly upset, demanded answers from EOCO officials about Wontumi’s arrest and current location.
Nana B, in an interview, expressed his frustration:
“This kind of arrest is unacceptable. He was already cooperating with the CID. Why should EOCO come and arrest him in this dramatic way? Is this the rule of law we voted for?”
“We’ve been here for more than two hours and nobody is telling us anything. Is this how institutions in a democratic country behave?” he questioned.
Supporters Cry Foul, Say Arrest is Political
Many of the supporters at the scene believe the arrest is not just about illegal mining but also a political attempt to weaken or embarrass Chairman Wontumi.
Wontumi, apart from being Ashanti Regional Chairman, is a well-known kingmaker in the NPP and a major financier of the party. Some believe that he may be targeted because of his influence, especially with the 2028 general elections in mind.
One supporter from Kumasi who spoke to reporters said:
“If Wontumi has done anything wrong, let the law work. But why arrest him like a thief? Why wait till he finishes with the CID and then pounce on him like that? There is something fishy going on.”
Others added that they will not sit down and watch “our hero be humiliated.”
Journalists Also in Danger
In the middle of all the confusion, journalists were not spared. JoyNews’ Latif Iddrisu, who was covering the arrest and crowd reactions, was physically assaulted by one angry party supporter. The attacker accused him of biased reporting and slapped him before others stepped in.
This assault has drawn condemnation from media rights groups, who say the safety of journalists must be protected at all times, especially during sensitive national issues like this one.
EOCO Yet to Speak
As of the time of writing this report, EOCO has still not released any official statement to explain why Chairman Wontumi was arrested or detained. Their silence is making the situation even more tense.
Even Wontumi’s lawyers and family members are reportedly struggling to get full information about his legal status, what charges (if any) are being brought against him, and when he will be released.
The Bigger Picture: A Test for Mahama’s Government
This incident is quickly turning into a major test for the John Mahama administration, which promised respect for the rule of law, human rights, and transparency when it returned to power in 2025.
Already, several NPP members and neutral political observers are calling on President Mahama to intervene and ensure due process is followed.
Some legal experts have also warned that if EOCO does not handle the matter well, it could be seen as abuse of power or selective justice, especially given Wontumi’s high political profile.