The soldiers onboard pick ups being ushered into the EOCO compound.
A number of soldiers have been deployed to the premises of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra as New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters continue to gather following the arrest of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The arrest, which took place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, prompted a swift reaction from party supporters who thronged EOCO’s headquarters to show solidarity.
A video shared by Citi FM 97.3 captures a chaotic scene with a significant crowd, some holding up phones to record the events, and security personnel, including soldiers, managing the situation.
Some of the party supporters are heard expressing their displeasure over Wontumi’s arrest, while others sought to tag the arrest as politically motivated.
“Soldiers step in as crowd swells during EOCO’s arrest of Chairman Wontumi,” the video by Citi FM is captioned.
A section of the video shows some pickup trucks filled with soldiers dressed in Ghana Armed Forces uniforms being driven into the yard of EOCO.
Chairman Wontumi was detained by EOCO after reporting to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service earlier on Tuesday. He was invited by the CID on Monday over ongoing investigations into allegations of illegal mining activities, known locally as galamsey, and other related charges.
This development follows a series of events, including a failed attempt by security operatives to arrest Wontumi on Friday, May 23, 2025, which had already heightened tensions within the party and among its supporters.
The military deployment at EOCO is believed to be a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and maintain order.
WATCH: Soldiers step in as crowd swells during EOCO’s arrest of Chairman Wontumi.#ChairmanWontumi #CitiNewsroom pic.twitter.com/Gd5rhPkJJ7
— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) May 27, 2025
“Come and beat me, naniaama”
—Agitated female NPP supporter clashes with security personnel at EOCO, over the arrest of the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Chairman Wontumi. pic.twitter.com/4XQa7beFZs
— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) May 27, 2025
It’s only in Africa where the politician who steals from the people are protected by the same people. Chairman Wontumi mines in forest reserve and if find culpable should face the law. No party colour, no shouting, no burning of tyres will change that! pic.twitter.com/sZaFjzYNUW
— Albert Nat HYDE (@1BongoIdeas) May 27, 2025