‘We will resist political harassment’ – NPP fires warning after Wontumi arrest
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is not taking things lightly following the dramatic arrest of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly called Chairman Wontumi. The party is warning the government to stop what they call politically motivated harassment, or else face fierce resistance.
The tension in Accra was thick on Tuesday, May 27, as NPP bigwigs and supporters gathered outside the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to demand answers after Wontumi was picked up in what the party described as a “Rambo-style operation.”
“This Is Pure Harassment” – NPP National Organiser Fires
In a fiery interview with the press at the EOCO headquarters, the NPP’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, did not hold back.
“We are law-abiding. We will cooperate fully with any investigative body,” he stated. “But what we will resist is any form of political harassment — and that is what we are witnessing.”
According to him, Chairman Wontumi was not on the run and had even honoured a CID invitation in good faith. But instead of being treated with respect, he was ambushed and picked up like a criminal.
“Just as he was about to leave, almost four pickups full of masked men, armed to the teeth, dragged him into a vehicle and brought him here,” he said, shaking his head in disbelief.
To Nana Boakye, the treatment was not only disrespectful but a clear attempt to intimidate the NPP and silence its strong regional leaders.
“We Don’t Even Know What He’s Being Held For”
One of the most frustrating parts of the incident, according to the party, is the lack of information.
“We don’t know why he’s being held here. We don’t know what they are investigating him for,” Nana Boakye revealed.
He added that even top party officials like himself and the General Secretary were denied access to Wontumi when they visited EOCO earlier.
“What kind of system are we running here? You arrest a regional chairman of a major political party, but you can’t even tell us what for? Even his lawyers are struggling to get proper answers,” he said.
NPP: “This Is Not An Isolated Case”
According to the NPP, this is not the first time state institutions under the current administration have allegedly targeted opposition members without due process.
Nana Boakye referenced a recent incident involving the arrest of an NPP supporter over a petition relating to suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, suggesting a pattern of harassment.
“Such a useless arrest,” he fumed. “Very uncalled for. These things are not healthy for our democracy.”
“This Is Not What Ghanaians Voted For”
In a direct message to President John Mahama, Nana Boakye said this kind of behaviour betrays the trust of Ghanaians, especially those who voted for change during the last elections.
“This is not why many Ghanaians voted for President Mahama,” he said.
“If six months ago he had mounted a platform and said he would be arresting people with guns in this Rambo-style, no Ghanaian would have voted for him.”
The NPP organiser warned that the current administration is gradually taking Ghana back to the dark days where political opponents were harassed, silenced, or disappeared.
“This is not democracy. This is dictatorship in disguise,” he claimed.
Supporters Flood EOCO in Solidarity
The incident has sparked tensions in the Ashanti Region, which remains the NPP’s strongest political base. Reports say that party foot soldiers, youth, and constituency executives have started gathering not just in Kumasi but in Accra as well, outside the EOCO office, demanding Wontumi’s release.
Many of them held placards with messages like:
“Hands Off Wontumi!”
“Say No to Political Intimidation!”
“This Is Not Democracy!”
Some supporters could be heard chanting:
“Wontumi, Wontumi! You are not alone!”
Police at the EOCO premises had to tighten security as the crowd kept swelling. There were no clashes as of press time, but the atmosphere remained tense.
Protest Is Our Right – Nana Boakye Defends Supporters
When asked whether the protests by NPP supporters might be worsening Wontumi’s situation, Nana Boakye pushed back strongly.
“I don’t think so,” he responded.
“Rather, I think that we need to show that support. We need to register our displeasure. The President must know what’s happening.”
He reminded the government that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, and that expressing political solidarity is not a crime.
“If they think we will sit back and watch our leaders be dragged in the mud without reason, they are joking. We will resist — fully,” he warned.
Wontumi’s Legal Team Responds
Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, who is also the NPP MP for Asante Akim North, earlier confirmed that his client had fallen ill during the interrogation and had been taken to hospital for medical care.
He said that while interrogation had started, it had to be paused due to Wontumi’s health condition.
“We haven’t finished with the interrogation, so we will come back to continue — hopefully tomorrow, if his condition improves,” he said.
He also confirmed that Wontumi had been served with a writ of summons from Exim Bank, suggesting a civil legal matter is also in play alongside the criminal investigation.
“We are confident we will defend both cases vigorously,” Appiah-Kubi said.
What Is The Government Saying?
As of now, the government and EOCO have not issued any official statement regarding Wontumi’s arrest or the nature of the investigations.
However, sources say National Security and EOCO officials are collaborating on what is believed to be a financial and procurement-related probe involving companies linked to Wontumi.
NPP insiders believe the timing, secrecy, and the aggressive nature of the arrest suggest that this is more political than legal.
Conclusion: Political Storm Brewing
Chairman Wontumi’s arrest has created a political storm, especially within the NPP. Many see it as an attack on one of the party’s most influential regional leaders.
Wontumi is not just a regional chairman. In the Ashanti Region, he is seen as the political bulldozer, known for rallying massive support during elections and mobilising votes for the NPP.
With tensions rising, and the party vowing to resist what it calls “unfair treatment,” this could be the beginning of a deeper political showdown.
“Let it be clear,” Nana Boakye concluded, “we are not afraid. We will protect our members, our values, and our democracy. Whatever it takes.”