Rambo-style arrest of people unnecessary – NPP General Secretary on Wontumi’s arrest by EOCO

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has come out strongly against what it calls an unwarranted and dramatic arrest of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, by officials from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

Speaking on JoyFM’s Top Story on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Frimpong Kodua, did not hold back in expressing the party’s disappointment and anger over the way EOCO handled the situation.

According to Mr. Kodua, Chairman Wontumi had already done the right thing by honouring a police invitation earlier in the day. He reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at its headquarters in Accra to answer questions related to alleged illegal mining and entry into forest reserves without permission.

After going through the necessary procedures, Wontumi was granted bail and was about to leave. But just as he stepped out of the CID building, EOCO operatives intercepted him and re-arrested him in what many have described as a “rambo-style” operation.

“Why Arrest Him Again? He Honoured the Police”

Mr. Kodua questioned the logic behind the re-arrest, especially when Wontumi had already shown good faith by cooperating with the police.

“We are very surprised because this is a person who was invited by the Ghana Police Service and he honoured that invitation,” he said.

“If indeed, in good faith, EOCO also wanted to invite him, they could have done so.”

In his view, the re-arrest was needless, provocative, and disrespectful, and it risked creating public tension that could have been avoided. He emphasised that while the NPP believes in the rule of law, law enforcement must also be guided by due process, mutual respect, and professionalism.

“For the sanctity of our democracy, we don’t need to go through this drama and this rambo-style of arresting people and trying to show that we are in government and we have the power.”

“What Kind of Resetting Is This?”

Kodua also took a swipe at President John Dramani Mahama, indirectly accusing him of failing to live up to his promise of being “a father to all” Ghanaians.

He referred to President Mahama’s inauguration speech where the President had pledged to govern fairly and unite the country, regardless of political differences.

“Mr. President, is this the kind of resetting that you told Ghanaians about? Then I’m afraid for our democracy,” Kodua said.

According to him, actions like Wontumi’s re-arrest, if not checked, could erode public trust in state institutions and undermine Ghana’s democratic gains.

“If EOCO wanted to invite someone, they should do it the same way the police did. Respectfully. We are not saying don’t investigate anyone. But do it the right way.”

The Arrest That Shocked Many

Wontumi’s re-arrest took many people by surprise. He had already cooperated with the CID and was not resisting any investigation. In fact, he had voluntarily turned himself in the previous day, a move that many believed was honourable and in line with the law.

However, as he exited the CID headquarters, EOCO officials swooped in and arrested him again, without giving any public explanation. This sudden turn of events sparked anger among his supporters, some of whom had followed him to the police headquarters.

News of the re-arrest spread quickly, and soon dozens of NPP supporters, along with senior party executives, gathered outside the EOCO office in Accra to demand his immediate release.

EOCO Yet to Explain

At the time of writing, EOCO had not issued any formal statement explaining the grounds for Wontumi’s re-arrest. This silence has only added to the confusion and suspicion surrounding the matter.

Legal experts have suggested that EOCO may be pursuing a different angle of investigation, possibly involving money laundering or financial crimes linked to the proceeds of illegal mining.

But without clear communication from EOCO, the public perception is quickly shifting toward the view that the arrest was politically motivated.

EOCO Should Learn from the Police – NPP

In his JoyFM interview, Mr. Kodua praised the Ghana Police Service for the professional way they handled the initial interrogation of Wontumi.

He said the police acted maturely, invited Wontumi in a respectful manner, and conducted their interview without any show of force.

He contrasted that with what EOCO did, describing it as “intimidation, plain and simple.”

“The police invited him, and he honoured it. After the meeting, they granted him bail. That is how it should be. Now EOCO wants to show that they also have power, so they storm the CID office to arrest him like a common criminal. Why?”

“What are they trying to achieve? Is this a new way of governing people? If so, then we must all be worried.”

Rule of Law or Rule by Force?

The NPP’s main argument is that no one is above the law—not even Chairman Wontumi. However, the law must be followed in a lawful manner.

Kodua warned that abuse of state power, especially by institutions like EOCO, could lead to public unrest, especially when popular figures like Wontumi are involved.

He stressed that law enforcement must not be used to settle political scores or to intimidate opposition voices.

“We are watching. Ghanaians are watching. If the government is using state institutions to punish its opponents, then where is our democracy?”

“Let’s not destroy the peace and stability we’ve worked hard to build over the years. Let’s act responsibly.”