Security tightened at EOCO as tension mounts over Wontumi’s arrest

Security tightened at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters in Accra went a notch higher on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, following the dramatic re-arrest of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi.

After earlier honouring an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) regarding an ongoing probe—believed to be connected to illegal mining activities—Chairman Wontumi was picked up again by EOCO officials just as he was leaving the CID premises.

This surprise move has since sparked political uproar, mass protests, and now, military deployment at EOCO’s offices to control the growing tension.

Why Was Wontumi Arrested Again?

While the exact reasons for Wontumi’s re-arrest remain unknown as of now, many close to the situation suspect that the case may involve money laundering allegations, possibly linked to illegal mining operations in forest reserves and unexplained financial transactions.

Some reports suggest EOCO might be tracing the flow of funds related to these alleged activities and possibly building a wider financial crimes case.

However, no formal charges have been announced, and EOCO has yet to explain why they stepped in immediately after the CID had already interrogated and granted Wontumi bail.

Security Beefed Up: Soldiers Take Over

Following the growing crowd and volatile scenes outside EOCO’s compound, authorities have now beefed up security by deploying military personnel to join the police already stationed there.

As early as midday on Tuesday, soldiers were seen stationed at key entry points, holding rifles and patrolling the building’s surroundings. Armed security men moved in quickly after NPP supporters began chanting and demonstrating, demanding their chairman’s release.

Eyewitnesses say the mood was tense, with supporters refusing to leave until they received assurance that Wontumi would not be “silenced.”

One supporter, dressed in full NPP regalia, told reporters:

“We won’t allow any intimidation. Wontumi has done nothing wrong. If they have something against him, they should follow the law, not use military-style arrests to scare him.”

Police Pickup Attacked

The tension worsened when two police pickup trucks arrived at the EOCO premises in the early afternoon. Angry NPP supporters, already on edge, surrounded the vehicles.

Some supporters could be seen banging on the bonnets, while others hit the sides of the trucks, demanding to speak with officers or be given access to Wontumi.

However, the police maintained discipline and did not respond violently. After some delay, they slowly moved the pickups away from the angry crowd, avoiding further escalation.

This particular incident was captured live by television cameras and has since gone viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions from the public.

NPP Reacts: “A Rambo-Style Arrest”

The New Patriotic Party’s top leadership has come out strongly against the manner in which Wontumi was arrested. The party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, accused EOCO of acting in bad faith.

“You cannot invite someone for questioning, and just when he’s cooperating and stepping out, another agency pounces on him like a criminal. Is this how we treat our citizens?” he asked.

“Even if Wontumi has questions to answer, there are civilised ways to go about it. This is clearly an attempt to intimidate political opponents.”

NPP’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B), also condemned the arrest and the handling of the situation, calling it “backward and unnecessary.”

He said the party was not against accountability but insisted that the process must be lawful, respectful, and transparent.

EOCO’s Silence Creates More Suspicion

As of Tuesday night, EOCO has still not issued any public statement explaining their action. This silence is only increasing speculation and tension.

Many believe the re-arrest could be politically motivated, especially given Wontumi’s influence in the Ashanti Region, the party’s stronghold. Some observers think this is part of a larger move to clip his wings ahead of internal party reorganisations and the next general election.

Others, especially civil society groups, are calling for calm and clarity, urging EOCO to come forward and explain the legal basis for Wontumi’s arrest.

Legal View: Could It Be Money Laundering?

Several legal analysts believe EOCO’s involvement means the matter may go beyond just illegal mining. There could be a money laundering angle, especially as EOCO has the mandate to trace suspicious transactions, freeze accounts, and prosecute financial crimes.

One lawyer, who spoke to JoyNews anonymously, said:

“This arrest might be based on suspicion that proceeds from illegal mining were moved through business fronts or used in large-scale investments without proper declarations.”

“If EOCO has strong evidence, then they have the right to act—but they must follow due process. The manner of the arrest must not look like punishment before trial.”

What Are Supporters Saying?

Chairman Wontumi has a large support base, especially among the youth and party grassroots. At EOCO, some of his supporters wore branded T-shirts, while others carried placards with slogans such as “Free Wontumi Now,” “Stop the Political Witch-hunt,” and “EOCO Is Not Above the Law.”

One supporter from Ejisu said:

“Wontumi is not a saint, but he is not a criminal either. If he has done anything wrong, take him to court. Don’t embarrass him like this in public.”

Another, a middle-aged woman from Bekwai, said she traveled to Accra just to stand with him:

“He’s our leader. We will follow him anywhere. What they are doing to him is wrong, and we will not sit down quietly.”