The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, was dramatically arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, and was subsequently rushed to a hospital after falling ill during interrogation. The arrest has ignited a political firestorm, with the NPP accusing the government of engaging in politically motivated harassment and intimidation.

Chairman Wontumi's encounter with law enforcement began prior to the EOCO arrest. On Monday, May 26, 2025, he reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, where he was formally charged with engaging in illegal mining activities, including unauthorised operations, pollution of water bodies, and entering a forest reserve without permission. According to a police statement, Wontumi cooperated, provided a statement, and was granted bail with two sureties. This followed a reported failed attempt by security operatives to arrest him on Friday, May 23, 2025.

The situation escalated on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. After Chairman Wontumi had reportedly honored an invitation from the CID and was about to leave, or following a separate invitation, he was apprehended by what NPP officials described as a 'Rambo-style' operation involving multiple pickups of heavily armed, masked men who then took him to the EOCO headquarters for further questioning, reportedly on related issues.

The NPP swiftly and strongly condemned the manner of his arrest. The party’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye (also known as Nana B), described the operation as 'political harassment' and a disturbing return to 'the dark days' of political oppression. He stated that while the NPP is law-abiding and willing to cooperate with investigative bodies, it would 'fiercely resist' such intimidation tactics. Party officials, including Nana Boakye and the General Secretary, were reportedly denied access to Chairman Wontumi at the EOCO facility, and the party was initially unclear about the specific reasons for the EOCO investigation.

During the interrogation at EOCO, Chairman Wontumi reportedly fell ill and was transferred to a hospital for medical attention. His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed the hospitalization, stating that the interrogation was incomplete and would resume once his client's condition improved and doctors discharged him. Appiah-Kubi mentioned that EOCO had 'preferred some allegations' against Wontumi, to which he had responded before falling ill. The specific medical facility was not disclosed.

Adding another layer to Wontumi's legal challenges, his lawyer also revealed that a writ of summons from Exim Bank was served on him on the same day. Appiah-Kubi characterized this as a civil matter and expressed confidence in mounting a defence, distinguishing it from the 'supposed criminal investigation' by EOCO.

Chairman Wontumi's arrest and detention at EOCO triggered significant protests. Scores of NPP supporters and party executives gathered outside the EOCO premises, demanding his release. The situation became tense, reportedly prompting the deployment of military personnel to reinforce security. Some reports indicated that the protests escalated, leading to the assault of a Joynews reporter, Latif Iddrisu, and vandalism of police vehicles by some protesters.

The NPP has maintained its stance that these actions are part of a broader pattern of political persecution by the NDC-led government under President Mahama. Nana Boakye referenced a recent 'useless arrest' involving an NPP supporter concerning a petition about the Chief Justice as another example of such tactics. He warned that the party would not be cowed and would take action to express its displeasure, emphasizing that an electoral mandate does not grant the government license to harass citizens.

The situation remains volatile, with Chairman Wontumi receiving medical treatment, the EOCO interrogation paused, and the NPP vowing to continue its resistance against what it perceives as political victimization. The party insists on transparency and due process, while accusing state institutions of being weaponized against its members.