By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Officials from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Tuesday arrested the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as ‘Wontumi.’
This came shortly after leaving the premises of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra.
Chairman Wontumi had been at the CID headquarters for further questioning over his alleged involvement in illegal mining and mining in forest reserves, and entering the forest reserve without authorisation.
His arrest late afternoon on Tuesday triggered suspicion and a strong response from party members.
Large crowds of NPP supporters and regional executives quickly gathered at the EOCO headquarters in Accra, demanding clarity and access to their colleague.
Their presence created a tense atmosphere, prompting the deployment of military personnel to the scene to ensure order and prevent any potential escalation.
As of Tuesday evening, EOCO had not officially disclosed the specific reasons behind Wontumi’s detention, fuelling speculation and concern within political circles.
NPP Youth Organizer Salam Mustapha told the media they had massed up at EOCO simply to demand the release of their Ashanti Regional Chairman as what was happening to him smacks political witch hunt.
According to him, the party faithfuls gathered there were not leaving until their party member was released.
“What they are doing to Chairman Wontumi is a clear case of witch hunting and we are not leaving until he is released. We are prepared to spend the night with him until he is released,” said the youth organizer.
Former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Titus Glover described Chairman Wontumi’s arrest and detention by EOCO as an affront to the country’s democratic gains.
He called on NPP sympathizers to join the crowd out there to push pressure on the government to ensure the release of their compatriot.
The incident has deepened partisan tensions, with the NPP signaling its readiness to resist what it views as targeted actions against its members ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Meanwhile, EOCO has yet to issue a public statement regarding the nature or status of the ongoing investigation involving Chairman Wontumi. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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