NIB Withdraw Officers From Wontumi's Residence Following Tensions Over Botched Arrest
Tensions flared in Kumasi on Friday following a failed attempt to arrest Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, a prominent figure in the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). The National Investigations Bureau (NIB) has since withdrawn its personnel from his residence, following public unrest and growing pressure from party loyalists.
The early morning operation involved a coordinated team of security operatives, including National Security agents and police officers, who arrived at Wontumi’s private residence in the Daban area. Though details of the operation remain murky, the move was met with strong resistance from NPP supporters, some of whom quickly gathered at the scene to denounce the attempt.
Chairman Wontumi, who was reportedly inside the house during the operation, did not resist. According to sources close to the situation, he assured the officers that he would respond to any official invitation and make himself available for questioning on Monday, May 26, 2025. Despite this, the presence of heavily armed personnel around his home triggered panic in the neighborhood and stirred public outcry.
As tensions escalated, with growing crowds of supporters chanting and demanding an explanation, the NIB made the decision to stand down and withdraw all operatives from the location. This move appeared to calm the volatile atmosphere, though many supporters have continued to linger near the property, seeking clarity on the motives behind the attempted arrest.
In a press briefing following the standoff, Kwame Adom-Appiah—Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NPP and a member of Wontumi’s legal team—condemned the approach taken by the security agencies. He described the early-morning deployment as excessive and unnecessary.
“When you show up at someone’s house with close to 20 vehicles for what appears to be a routine matter, it sends the wrong message,” Adom-Appiah said. “Chairman Wontumi is not a threat to national security. There was no need for such a dramatic display of force.”
He went on to question the use of state resources, arguing that a formal invitation would have been more appropriate and in line with legal procedures. “If someone fails to respond to a lawful summons, there are proper channels to handle that. What happened here was completely disproportionate.”
Though the situation has temporarily calmed, the incident has stirred significant political conversation, with many calling for transparency from law enforcement. The NPP leadership in the region has vowed to remain vigilant, demanding a full explanation regarding the circumstances that led to the operation.
As of now, a police presence remains around the property, though it has been scaled back. All eyes are on Chairman Wontumi’s expected appearance on Monday, which may shed light on the intentions behind Friday’s failed arrest and what may come next in this unfortunatelylding political drama.
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