Political tensions soared Tuesday following the dramatic arrest of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) just moments after he exited the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra.
Wontumi, who serves as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), had earlier in the day honored a CID invitation for questioning over allegations of illegal mining—commonly referred to as “galamsey.” The interrogation focused on claims that he was operating without proper licenses, polluting water bodies, and encroaching on forest reserves. He was reportedly cooperative throughout the CID process and granted bail.
However, upon stepping out of the CID premises, he was immediately intercepted and detained by EOCO operatives in what NPP leadership is describing as a heavy-handed and politically charged move.
NPP General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, was quick to condemn the manner of the arrest, calling it a “Rambo-style” operation that reflects poorly on the country’s legal and democratic institutions.
“While we do not condone wrongdoing, this type of inter-agency aggression is completely unnecessary and could destabilize the relationship between state institutions,” Kodua said in a statement. “The law must be applied, yes, but not abused.”
Legal analysts say EOCO’s involvement may be tied to ongoing investigations into suspected financial crimes, including possible money laundering linked to illegal mining proceeds. However, no official charge has been announced.
News of Wontumi’s detention sparked immediate reactions from the NPP’s grassroots base. Hundreds of supporters and party executives flooded the EOCO premises demanding his release. Tensions grew as the crowd remained into the evening, prompting a surge in security including military presence at the headquarters.
Videos circulating online show supporters chanting and hoisting placards in solidarity, while some engaged in verbal confrontations with security personnel. The charged atmosphere has raised concerns about potential unrest if the matter is not addressed transparently and swiftly.
As of late Tuesday, Chairman Wontumi remained in EOCO custody. Officials have yet to issue a formal explanation for the arrest, leaving much of the public and political class speculating. The NPP has called for calm among its members but insists it will seek legal redress if due process is not followed.
This case has quickly become a flashpoint in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining—a fight that has already strained relations between political leaders, law enforcement, and local communities. How it is handled in the coming days could have implications far beyond Chairman Wontumi’s personal fate.
