Rambo-style arrest of people unnecessary - NPP on Wontumi's arrest by EOCO

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has criticized the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). They call the arrest of their Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, unnecessary and aggressive. He is popularly known as "Chairman Wontumi."

On May 27, NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua spoke on JoyFM's Top Story. He expressed dismay at how EOCO operatives re-arrested Mr. Antwi-Boasiako. This happened right after he met with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra.

Mr. Kodua said, “We are very surprised because this person was invited by the Ghana Police Service.” He added that Mr. Antwi-Boasiako honored that invitation.

He suggested that if EOCO wanted to invite him too, they could have done so properly.

Mr. Kodua noted that the re-arrest risks creating public tension. It also undermines the integrity of Ghana's democratic institutions.

He emphasized that no one is above the law. However, enforcement agencies must follow proper procedures and show mutual respect among state institutions.

“For our democracy’s sake, we don’t need this drama,” he stated. He criticized the aggressive style of arrests meant to show power.

Mr. Kodua recalled President John Mahama's promise to be "a father for all." He questioned whether recent actions reflect that vision.

He warned that such acts could erode public confidence in governance and legal systems. “Is this what they mean by resetting the country?” he asked.

He urged EOCO to follow normal processes like the police did before. “I don’t know what EOCO intends to achieve with this kind of arrest,” he said.

Chairman Wontumi had previously turned himself in to CID regarding illegal mining investigations. These include operating in forest reserves without authorization.

He was released on bail and told to return for further inquiry. However, EOCO operatives arrested him as he left CID premises, with unclear grounds for their action.