The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is expected to report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service today, Monday, May 26, 2025.
His appearance follows a failed attempt by a combined team of National Security and police officers to arrest him at his residence last Friday, May 23.
The operation, which drew a heavy security presence to his home, quickly sparked outrage among NPP supporters who gathered in large numbers to protest what they described as an intimidation tactic.
While the exact motive for the attempted arrest remains unclear, Wontumi reportedly assured the officers during the standoff that he would voluntarily present himself to the authorities today.
Speaking to Citi News, his lawyer, Kwame Adom Appiah, confirmed that they are fully prepared to cooperate with the police.
“We are practicing democracy. Wontumi is not someone who hides. He is not going to flee—he has substantial investments in Ghana and no intention of going anywhere,” Appiah said.
“They asked us to appear today, and we will go wherever we are directed. We have done nothing criminal and have nothing to fear.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has defended the conduct of the security forces, insisting that the operation was in line with established national security protocols.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News the same day, Terlabi dismissed claims that the operation was politically motivated, emphasizing that the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) acted within its legal mandate.
“The National Security will not go to Wontumi’s house without cause. They had a reason, and they acted accordingly. Let’s allow the security agencies to perform their duties. What this country needs is peace,” he said.
Responding to claims by Wontumi that the raid was an attempt to harass or harm him, Terlabi rejected the allegations, suggesting that the NPP chairman was attempting to portray himself as a victim.
“He’s playing the victim card. No one is out to harm Wontumi. The team went there to invite him, not attack him. If you’re going to catch a wild dog, you don’t show up unarmed,” Terlabi added.
As the political and legal drama unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how today’s appearance at the CID develops and what implications it might have for both Wontumi and the ruling party.
