'Ghana is slipping into the dark days', says NPP after Wontumi’s arrest

NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye has criticized recent events. He calls it a dangerous return to the “dark days” of political oppression. This follows the arrest of Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi.

Boakye spoke to journalists outside the EOCO Headquarters in Accra. Wontumi is currently being held there. He expressed concern over what he termed a “Rambo-style arrest.” This involved heavily armed and masked security personnel.

“We are law-abiding and ready to cooperate,” he stated. “But we will resist political harassment — that’s what we’re witnessing.”

He explained that Wontumi had honored an invitation from the CID. As he was leaving, four pickups with masked men seized him. These men were “armed to the teeth,” according to Boakye.

“We don’t know why he’s being held,” he said. “We don’t know what they are investigating him for.”

Boakye described the arrest as unnecessary and intimidating for political opponents. He accused the NDC-led government of using theatrics and intimidation tactics.

“Six months ago, if President Mahama had campaigned on arrests like this, would Ghanaians be happy?” he asked.

Nana Boakye asserted that the NPP will not be intimidated. “We are massing up and ready to stay overnight,” he declared. The party will not allow its members to be bullied under law enforcement pretenses.

He pointed out a pattern of political persecution in recent events. He referenced a recent incident involving Adenta Kumi, calling it an unjust arrest related to a petition over the Chief Justice matter.

Rejecting claims that they are jumping to conclusions, Nana Boakye insisted on the facts at hand. “Why invite him only to arrest him in such a wrong style?” he questioned.

He warned that democracy is at risk under this government. “The NDC is sending us back to dark days, which is unfortunate,” he said.

Despite their protests, NPP leadership plans peaceful engagement moving forward. Nana Boakye confirmed that both he and the General Secretary were initially allowed into CID reception but later denied access to Wontumi.

“We thought we would see him but were told we could not,” he explained.

He urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant about accountability issues while condemning political victimization and harassment.

Nana Boakye dismissed suggestions that their gathering outside CID worsened tensions. “We need to show support and register our displeasure,” he stated firmly.

The arrest of Chairman Wontumi has already created tensions within the NPP. Senior party figures warn against attempts to intimidate their leadership, promising strong resistance if necessary.