According to a report by Joy News on Tuesday, 27th May, 2025,Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who is popularly known as Chairman Wontumi has been arrested.
He was taken into custody by officials from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) just after leaving the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra.
Chairman Wontumi had gone to the CID for more questioning about his suspected role in illegal mining. He is also accused of mining in protected forest areas without permission. On Monday, May 26, he had turned himself in to the CID as part of his bail conditions and was asked to return the next day, which he did.
After completing his visit to the CID on Tuesday, May 27, Wontumi was stopped and picked up by EOCO operatives. At this point, the exact reason for his arrest is still not clear. EOCO has not released any official statement to explain why they took him in.
The news of his arrest has caused mixed reactions among Ghanaians, especially on social media. Some people believe that the law should work without favor, no matter a person’s political position. Others think the arrest may be politically motivated.
Chairman Wontumi is a well-known figure in the Ashanti Region and in Ghana’s political space. Because of his popularity, this incident is receiving a lot of attention from both the public and the media. Some supporters of the NPP are calling for calm and asking for more information from the authorities.
As of now, Ghanaians are waiting to hear from EOCO about why Wontumi was taken into custody after already cooperating with the CID. The situation is still developing, and more updates are expected in the coming days.
Here are some reactions from Ghanaians.
