A large crowd of New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters gathered outside the residence of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following an attempted arrest by personnel from the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) and the Ghana Police Service on Friday, May 23, 2025.
The incident, which began in the early hours of the morning, saw armed officers surround Chairman Wontumi’s residence, prompting an outpouring of protest from loyalists who steadily assembled in defiance of what they described as an aggressive and unjustified operation.
Although the specific reason for the attempted arrest has not been officially disclosed, sources indicate that Wontumi had earlier received a formal police invitation and had agreed to report on Monday, May 26, 2025. Despite this, a contingent of security personnel—reportedly over 20 vehicles strong—arrived at his home, sparking outrage among party faithful.
As chants and slogans filled the air, tensions rose outside the property. In response, the NIB is said to have ordered the immediate withdrawal of all operatives to deescalate the situation. While calm has since returned to the area, a watchful group of NPP supporters remains stationed nearby in solidarity with their regional chairman.
Speaking to the press, NPP Ashanti Regional Secretary and legal team member Kwame Adom-Appiah condemned the attempted arrest, calling it heavy-handed and unnecessary.
“You don’t need a convoy of 20 vehicles to arrest someone who poses no security threat. Chairman Wontumi is not a rebel or criminal. If he received an invitation and agreed to comply, this show of force was excessive and a needless strain on public resources,” he said.
