Bernard Antwi-Boasiako
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is expected to report to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) today, Monday, May 26, 2025, following a dramatic and controversial incident involving heavily armed, masked security operatives at his residence last Friday.
The incident, which unfolded at Wontumi’s Daaban residence in Kumasi, has sparked widespread political uproar, with several members of the NPP accusing the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and President John Mahama of using state security for political persecution.
The security operatives, made up of personnel from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and the Ghana Police Service, reportedly stormed Wontumi’s home in what witnesses described as a Rambo-style operation, creating panic among residents and attracting large crowds, including NPP supporters.
According to eyewitness accounts, the security personnel attempted to apprehend Wontumi as he arrived at his home in a vehicle.
However, the NPP Chairman resisted the arrest, demanding that the officers produce a valid arrest warrant. When they failed to do so, he entered his house and locked the gates, effectively shutting the operatives out.
In an emotional radio interview shortly after the incident, Wontumi accused President Mahama and the NDC of orchestrating a political witch-hunt aimed at silencing him.
“This is nothing but a politically motivated move to intimidate me because of my stance and my influence in the Ashanti Region,” he said, and added, “Ghanaians must rise up against these unlawful tactics by the government.”
Former Manhyia North MP
Former NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia North, Collins Owusu Amankwah, provided crucial details regarding the timeline of events and Wontumi’s response to a prior security invitation.
Speaking on Accra-based Asempa FM, Mr. Owusu Amankwah revealed that Wontumi had already communicated with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), indicating that he was unwell and proposing to appear before the security agencies on Monday, May 26.
“He responded to the CID on May 21st that he wasn’t well and would honour the invitation today. But rather than respond or acknowledge that communication, they sent masked men to storm his home,” Owusu Amankwah stated.
He described the action as a gross abuse of state power, and warned that it sets a dangerous precedent. “What kind of mindset leads a government to authorise masked men to carry out such an operation? If you don’t have a murderous mentality, why do you wear masks and move without identification or name tags?” he queried, intimating, “These are known NDC branch executives in masks, hiding behind state security.”
According to the former MP, such actions violate the Security and Intelligence Act, which outlines clear protocols for lawful arrests, including the need for officers to identify themselves and present a warrant from a competent court.
“If someone shows up masked and without a name tag or warrant, citizens have every right to resist arrest,” he stressed.
He further cited concerns with the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), arguing that even financial investigations must follow international protocols.
“According to the 40 recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, charges must be clear before any arrest is made. What is happening now is an abuse of every standard,” he lamented.
The failed arrest attempt and the planned appearance at the NIB today have drawn considerable attention, with party supporters gathering in solidarity and civil society groups raising concerns about the growing politicisation of security institutions.
Meanwhile, Wontumi’s legal team has indicated that he is cooperating fully with the authorities and will honour any lawful invitation. However, they insist that Friday’s raid was unlawful and smacks of political intimidation.
By Ernest Kofi Adu