The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the government of using force to intimidate political opponents. This follows the arrest of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi.
NPP National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, described the arrest as a return to the “dark days” of political oppression. Speaking outside the EOCO Headquarters in Accra, he said the arrest involved masked and heavily armed officers.
“Chairman Wontumi had just honored a CID invitation. As he stepped out, four pickups with masked men surrounded him and took him away,” Boakye said.
He called the operation excessive and politically motivated. “We will not allow political harassment under the pretense of law enforcement,” he added.
Boakye criticized President Mahama’s government, claiming the administration is using scare tactics. “If Mahama had campaigned on arresting people with guns, would Ghanaians have voted for him?” he asked.
He referenced other arrests, including the recent detention of an NPP member in Adenta. “That arrest was unnecessary and only happened because the person petitioned the President,” he noted.
The NPP said it would not be intimidated. “We are mobilizing and staying overnight if necessary,” Boakye stated. “We won’t sit by while our members are bullied.”
Boakye and the party’s General Secretary were initially allowed into the CID reception. However, officials later denied them access to Wontumi.
He urged Ghanaians to stay alert. “We support accountability, but this is clear political victimization. That’s what we’re resisting.”
The arrest has sparked tension within the NPP. Senior party members warn that attempts to silence their leadership will meet strong resistance.
