Hundreds of New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters converged on the residence of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi on Friday, May 23, 2025, in response to a failed arrest operation by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) and the Ghana Police Service.
The early morning scene in Kumasi quickly turned tense as heavily armed officers surrounded Wontumi’s home.
While the motive behind the operation has not been publicly disclosed, reports indicate that the NPP chairman was present in the house at the time and assured law enforcement he would voluntarily respond to their summons on Monday, May 26.
As word of the incident spread, a growing number of party loyalists gathered in protest, chanting slogans and demanding the withdrawal of the security personnel. The situation escalated briefly before the NIB reportedly ordered its officers to stand down and vacate the premises.
Though the immediate standoff has subsided, a significant number of NPP supporters remain in the area, expressing solidarity with their regional leader.
Speaking to the media, NPP Ashanti Regional Secretary and legal counsel for Chairman Wontumi, Kwame Adom-Appiah, sharply criticized the operation.
“The approach was completely unwarranted. You don’t need 20 vehicles to arrest someone who isn’t a threat to national security,” Adom-Appiah argued.
“This kind of excessive show of force not only intimidates the public but also wastes valuable state resources. A formal invitation would have been more appropriate and legal recourse exists if that invitation is ignored.”
He however, confirmed the National security operative came with search warrant which he claim was not from Court of competent jurisdiction.
As of now, no formal charges or reasons for the attempted arrest have been made public, and the NPP has called for calm while demanding transparency and due process in the matter.
However, speaking www.kumasimail.com Andy Owusu Commended the New Patriotic Party Supporters who storm the area after the heard of the National security raid to the Wontumi’s House to protect him.
“Chairman Wontumi is grateful to the Party regional executives, Aahanti regional Chairman Hopeful Oheneho Kwaku Appiah popularly known as COKA the grassroots , an Member of Parliament in Ashanti for the show of solidarity display today particularly Stephen Amoah MP for Nhyeaso Constituency. Chairman Wontumi is not hurt and no traumatized he is doing fine well . We thanks for you all for the support “Andy Owusu Said.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
