'We will resist political harassment' - NPP fires warning after Wontumi arrest

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has warned the government. They accuse it of politically motivated harassment. This follows the dramatic arrest of their Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Bosiako, known as Chairman Wontumi.

In a tense interview outside the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra, NPP’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, spoke out. He described the arrest as a “Rambo-style” operation. He vowed that the NPP would resist what he called “political harassment” of its members.

“We are law-abiding,” he stated. “We will cooperate with any investigative body.” However, he added that they would resist any form of political harassment.

Nana Boakye explained that Chairman Wontumi had been invited by the CID to report on Tuesday. He complied with this request. But just as he was about to leave, armed men in masks arrived. They dragged him into a pickup truck and brought him to EOCO.

The party still does not know why their regional chairman is being held. They are unclear about the details of any investigation. Nana Boakye said they were denied access when they visited earlier.

The NPP claims this is not an isolated incident. They referenced a recent arrest involving an NPP supporter over a petition concerning the Chief Justice. “Such a useless arrest,” Nana Boakye fumed. “Very uncalled for.”

He warned that these actions could drag Ghana back into dark times. In those days, political opponents faced intimidation and silencing tactics. “This is not why many Ghanaians voted for President Mahama,” he argued.

He added that if President Mahama had promised such arrests six months ago, no one would have voted for him.

When asked if protests at CID headquarters influenced Wontumi's detention, Nana Boakye disagreed. “I don’t think so,” he said firmly. He emphasized the need to show support and register their displeasure.

He concluded with a strong message: “We support accountability but will resist political victimization.”

Chairman Wontumi’s arrest has sparked tensions in the party's stronghold region. Party members and officials have gathered outside EOCO Head Office in response.