NPP vows to resist “political intimidation” after Wontumi arrest

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a strong warning against what it describes as politically motivated intimidation, following the arrest of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Tuesday, May 27.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Tuesday, NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye expressed the party’s outrage over the incident, vowing that the NPP would not sit by while its members face what it considers unfair treatment under the guise of investigations.

“We will resist any form of political harassment. We have already indicated our willingness to cooperate with any investigative body. We are a law-abiding political party, and we have already told our members to cooperate with any investigative body,” he said.

Boakye further criticised the manner in which the arrest was carried out, likening it to scenes from an action film.

Chairman Wontumi was reportedly picked up by EOCO officials shortly after honouring an earlier invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on the morning of Tuesday, May 27.

Sources familiar with the matter said he was assisting with ongoing investigations when he was transferred into EOCO custody for further questioning.

Although EOCO has not officially disclosed the details of the case, Wontumi was allegedly cautioned on Monday, May 26, over suspected illegal mining activities.

The allegations reportedly include operating without a license, polluting water bodies, and unlawfully entering a forest reserve.