A combined team of National Security operatives and police officers on Friday, May 23, 2025, conducted a high-profile operation at the residence of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to his aide, Oheneba Nana Asiedu, who spoke to Adom FM, the operation involved about 23 heavily armed personnel, some of whom were masked. The team arrived at the residence around 9:00 a.m., creating tension among those present, including Chairman Wontumi, his wife, and a domestic worker.
Oheneba stated that the motive for the operation remains unclear, though it may be linked to an earlier police invitation for questioning regarding the controversial Akonta Mining case.
“We received a letter on Monday at Wontumi Radio in Kumasi asking Chairman to appear for questioning. He had agreed to honour the invitation on Monday, May 26, at 10:00 a.m. in Accra, even though the notice was delivered in Kumasi,” Oheneba said.
However, he revealed that the Ashanti Regional Police later contacted Wontumi to schedule an earlier meeting for Wednesday, May 21. That meeting reportedly did not take place, as no officials showed up.
“This surprise operation is puzzling, especially since all parties had agreed on a timeline. Only the authorities can explain the change in approach,” he added.
After what Oheneba described as “a series of deliberations,” most of the security operatives left the premises, although six remained on site. The presence of armed officers and the abrupt nature of the operation alarmed residents and prompted several NPP supporters to gather at the scene in solidarity.
“Those close to Chairman Wontumi are calm because we know what is happening, but party members are clearly agitated,” Oheneba noted.
This incident comes on the heels of the dawn arrest of Alfred Ababio Kumi, also known as Adenta Kumi, another NPP figure, which has already sparked unease within the party’s ranks.
