By Issah Olegor
The legal team representing Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has confirmed that the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will honour a police invitation on Monday, 26 May.
This confirmation follows a dramatic standoff on Friday at Wontumi’s residence in Daaban, Kumasi, where heavily armed personnel from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and Ghana Police Service surrounded the premises in what appeared to be an attempted arrest.
Supporters of the NPP quickly mobilised at the scene, denouncing the operation as an excessive show of force and accusing the government of political harassment.
Senior lawyer and NPP member William Kusi told reporters that Wontumi had already acknowledged the NIB’s invitation and notified the police of his intention to appear on Monday.
He described the security raid as both unwarranted and politically motivated.
“There was no need for this level of aggression,” Kusi stated. “Chairman Wontumi responded formally. The police later admitted to acting in error and withdrew.”
Kusi assured the public that a robust legal team will accompany Wontumi to ensure his rights are upheld.
“Due process will be followed. No citizen should be arrested without clear communication of the charges.”
He also criticised what he termed as “bravado-style enforcement,” warning it could incite unnecessary tension, especially in an election year.
“The NDC made promises to pursue members of the former government, and this is exactly what we’re seeing,” Kusi said, accusing President John Dramani Mahama’s administration of deploying state power to settle political scores.
“One of the officers even issued a threat to shoot. We must protect democracy, not destroy it.”
Speaking earlier in a radio interview, Wontumi claimed the government was targeting him and other opposition figures to stifle dissent.
He said his businesses had been disrupted and bank accounts frozen.
“Was I ever a minister, a CEO, or board chair?” he asked rhetorically. “This is political persecution, not law enforcement.”
Wontumi called on Ghanaians and NPP supporters to “resist suppression” lawfully, urging vigilance as tensions rise ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Meanwhile, Deputy Interior Minister, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi has defended the operation, describing it as necessary and in line with national security protocol.
“You don’t catch a wild dog unarmed,” he said, rejecting claims that the action was politically motivated or intended to harm Wontumi.
The unfolding saga continues to stir debate about democratic freedoms, rule of law, and the politicisation of state security forces.
Wontumi is expected to present himself to the police for questioning on Monday.
His legal team insists they are prepared for any eventualities.
