'Free speech under attack' - Government slammed over Kumi's arrest, Wontumi's house raid
Some members of the public have strongly criticised the arrest of Alfred Ababio Kumi and the alleged raid at the residence of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), both of which occurred on Friday, May 23, 2025, at their respective homes.
Netizens, including the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, have condemned the incidents on social media, accusing the government of using such tactics to suppress free speech, an approach they argue could undermine the country’s democracy.
“About 3 hours ago, Alfred Ababio Kumi, popularly known as Adenta Kumi was picked up at his residence by 8 armed men believed to be officers of the National Intelligence Bureau. 6 of the AK-47-wielding men were in masks. These Rambo-style actions by the government continue to raise concerns that bother on free speech and good governance,” Assafuah posted on Facebook on Friday, May 23, 2025.
The critics further asserted that the approach adopted by the state security agencies in carrying out these arrests, particularly the aggressive “Rambo-style” tactics is unnecessary.
They stated that individuals whom the security agencies wish to question should be formally invited to respond, rather than having their homes invaded and their rights infringed upon in the process.
The backlash comes on the back of the arrest of Alfred Ababio Kumi, a former NPP parliamentary aspirant for Adenta, in the Greater Accra Region.
Alfred Kumi is currently involved in a petition to President John Dramani Mahama, seeking the dissolution of the committee investigating the removal of the Chief Justice over an alleged secret meeting.
Additionally, armed security officials, purported to be officials of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), reportedly stormed the home of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi with reasons yet to be made known.
A viral video of the incident showed armed men at the entrance of the Ashanti Region NPP chairman’s home in Kumasi.
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