We're not leaving until EOCO releases Wontumi - NPP supporters vow

Tensions are high at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra. Supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) vow to stay until their Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, is released.

Many party members gathered at EOCO headquarters after Wontumi's arrest on Tuesday, May 27. He was taken into custody after responding to a CID invitation related to an investigation.

Senior party officials criticized the arrest. They accuse the government of using state security to harass political opponents.

NPP Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed spoke to JoyNews at the scene. He condemned how Wontumi was arrested and questioned if EOCO followed due process.

Mohammed said, “If EOCO wants to invite him, they should officially write to him.” He expressed uncertainty about whether Wontumi was picked up with or without a warrant.

He added, “This government cannot be trusted. They want to intimidate us.” Mohammed questioned what the government wanted from former appointees.

He emphasized that the party believes in accountability but insists on respecting legal processes. “We’re not going to run away from accountability,” he stated.

“We are here for our chairman,” he continued. “If they want to consume him, they should consume all of us.”

NPP National Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha also addressed the situation. He demanded clarity on Wontumi’s status and urged EOCO for open communication regarding his detention.

“If you want to keep him overnight, tell us,” Mustapha said. He suggested that supporters could go home if given a time to return.

When asked about their response if Wontumi was held overnight, he replied, “We will examine the reasons.” If it’s a criminal matter, they would listen; if political, they would remain there against intimidation.

The standoff followed hours of protests outside EOCO’s office. Supporters clashed with police and banged on security vehicles arriving at the scene.

As of Tuesday evening, there has been no official statement from EOCO about Wontumi’s arrest grounds.