Policy analyst Michael Kosi Dedey has condemned the arrest of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), describing it as part of a dangerous pattern of retaliatory politics in Ghana.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, May 28, Dedey warned that the use of state institutions for political payback was undermining public confidence in governance.
“The security agencies need to look at themselves and ask: Are we being professional? This government needs to behave. We are running this country as though it’s ‘you do me, I do you’. It’s retaliatory politics, and I do not think it is healthy for the country,” he stated.
Wontumi was arrested by the Economic and Organised Office (EOCO) on Tuesday, May 27, shortly after honouring a separate invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for questioning.
While the full details of the case remain unclear, Wontumi was previously cautioned for alleged involvement in illegal mining, including operating without a license, polluting water bodies, and entering a forest reserve unlawfully.
The arrest sparked outrage among NPP supporters, prompting a crowd of regional executives and party faithful to gather at EOCO headquarters in Accra. Security was reinforced with military deployment to manage the growing tension.
During his interrogation, Wontumi reportedly fell ill and was rushed to a nearby hospital, further heightening public attention.
Dedey insisted that accountability should not come at the expense of fairness and due process.
“All of us must look at Wontumi and say yes, he has done many things. But is this how we treat a citizen? When you have power, your character is displayed by how you handle that power,” he said.
He cautioned that if perceived political vengeance continues, it could erode trust in Ghana’s democratic institutions and deepen political polarisation.
“Is this justice or political vengeance?” he asked. “These are the questions Ghanaians are beginning to ask.”
Wontumi falls ill during EOCO probe, rushed to hospital