Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is scheduled to report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service today, Monday, May 26, 2025.
This development follows an unsuccessful attempt by a joint task force of National Security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on Friday, May 23. The attempted arrest drew swift backlash from NPP supporters, who gathered outside his home in protest, criticizing what they described as an excessive show of force by heavily armed security personnel.
While the specific reason for the attempted arrest has not been officially disclosed, Chairman Wontumi is said to have assured the authorities of his willingness to cooperate and appear before the CID voluntarily.
His legal representative, Kwame Adom Appiah, confirmed their intention to comply with the police invitation in an interview.
“We are practicing democracy. Wontumi is not someone who can hide from the cameras or flee the country. He has made significant investments in Ghana and has no intention of leaving. If they want him, they will find him. We have been asked to appear today, and we will,” Appiah stated.
He further emphasized that his client has committed no crime and has no reason to evade law enforcement.
Meanwhile, Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi has defended the attempted arrest and the tactics used by security personnel. He maintained that the operation was legitimate and conducted in line with national security protocols.
“The National Security would not visit Chairman Wontumi’s residence without cause. Their actions were based on valid reasons. Let’s allow the security services to carry out their duties—we all want peace in this country,” Terlabi said.
Responding to claims by Wontumi that the operation was meant to intimidate or harm him, the Deputy Minister dismissed such allegations as unfounded.
“He is playing the victim. No one is out to harm Wontumi. The security team went to invite him. If you’re trying to catch a wild dog, you don’t go unarmed,” he added.
