Wontumi was arrested in a rambo style as if he’s a terrorist – Nana B
The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, has come out strongly to condemn the manner in which the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, was arrested by officials from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
Describing the arrest as “backward” and “brutish,” Nana B did not mince words. He said the way Wontumi was picked up was more like something from a movie than a democracy. He questioned whether this is the kind of leadership President John Mahama promised the people of Ghana.
The Arrest That Sparked the Outrage
Chairman Wontumi had earlier reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra to honour an invitation related to allegations of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and claims that he had entered forest reserves without proper authorisation.
After several hours of interrogation, he was granted bail by the CID. But just as he was stepping out of the CID headquarters, four pickup vehicles filled with heavily armed officers from EOCO stormed the premises and arrested him again—this time without giving any immediate explanation.
The scene was dramatic and chaotic, drawing the attention of journalists, party supporters, and passersby. Supporters of the NPP who had come to show solidarity were left shocked and angry. JoyNews journalist Latif Iddrisu, who was covering the incident, was even physically attacked by a party sympathiser during the commotion.
Nana B Speaks Out
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Newsnight programme later that day, Nana B expressed deep disappointment and anger over the whole situation. According to him, the arrest was not just unacceptable—it was an embarrassment to Ghana’s democracy.
“Yesterday, he was invited by the police CID. He appeared and was interrogated on some illegal mining issues and allegedly entering forest reserves without a permit. He complied. He cooperated. He was granted bail.”
But that cooperation, Nana B said, was not enough to stop what he described as a “rambo-style ambush.”
“Just when he was exiting the CID premises, four pickups loaded with armed men stormed the area and arrested him in a manner that can only be described as backward, brutish, and completely unnecessary. Are we going back to such days?”
He continued, “Somebody is invited by an investigative body. Just when he’s about to exit, he is arrested in such a rambo style as if he’s a terrorist. And mind you, he’s already been granted bail by the CID.”
Concerns About Mahama’s Leadership Style
Nana B did not hold back in directing some of his anger toward President John Mahama, who returned to power after winning the 2024 general elections. He reminded the President that Ghanaians voted for leadership, not intimidation.
“President Mahama, sir, I’m not sure this is the kind of leadership Ghanaians voted for. Yes, we all support accountability. But if you had told the people that your government would arrest citizens in such an awkward and outdated manner, I doubt you’d have gotten the mandate.”
Nana B’s comments have since gained traction on social media, with many NPP faithful echoing his sentiments. Others, however, have argued that if Wontumi is involved in illegal mining, the state has a duty to investigate—though they agree the manner of arrest could have been better handled.
No Information from EOCO
Another issue raised by Nana B was the lack of transparency on the part of EOCO. According to him, several top NPP executives had gathered at EOCO’s headquarters but had waited for over two hours without any official information about Wontumi’s legal status, the reasons for his arrest, or his current location.
“We are standing here at EOCO, and nobody is telling us anything. For over two hours, party leaders and lawyers have been asking simple questions. Where is he? What is he being charged with? Nothing. This is not how a law-abiding country should operate,” Nana B lamented.
NPP Supporters Angry and Frustrated
News of the arrest spread fast, especially in the Ashanti Region where Chairman Wontumi remains one of the most powerful and popular figures in the NPP. Many party supporters have expressed shock and anger, describing the arrest as a deliberate attempt to humiliate their leader.
One supporter in Kumasi said:
“This is Wontumi! Our regional chairman. You don’t treat your own this way. Even if he has done something wrong, why arrest him like a criminal?”
Others believe there is a political agenda to silence or weaken Wontumi ahead of the 2028 general elections, especially since he is known to have presidential ambitions.
Government Yet to Respond
As of now, EOCO has not released any official statement about the arrest. The Office of the President and the Attorney General’s Department have also remained silent. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting from civil society, media groups, and political analysts who are demanding clarity and accountability.
Media Under Attack Too
The attack on JoyNews’ Latif Iddrisu has added another layer to the already tense situation. Media rights groups have condemned the violence and are demanding protection for journalists covering politically sensitive stories.
“We cannot allow a journalist to be beaten simply for doing his job. This is unacceptable,” said a spokesperson from the Media Foundation for West Africa.
JoyNews has confirmed that Latif is recovering and will continue to report on the issue.
Conclusion: A Test of Ghana’s Democracy
What happened today at EOCO raises serious questions about the state of democracy, press freedom, and law enforcement in Ghana. While it is important that allegations of illegal mining are investigated, it is equally important that the rights of citizens are respected.
Nana B’s strong reaction shows just how deep the divisions are growing, even within the ruling party. The Mahama administration must now decide how it wants to handle such politically sensitive investigations. Will they continue with force, or will they take a more transparent, respectful, and democratic approach?
As for Chairman Wontumi, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see what comes next. And as always, the people are demanding truth, fairness, and justice.