Tension reached a boiling point on Monday as fresh violence erupted at the offices of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following the arrest of outspoken New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. Supporters of the ruling party, incensed by the unfolding developments, began gathering in massive numbers outside EOCO’s premises demanding his immediate release and vowing to resist what they described as “politically motivated harassment.”
Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as NPP loyalists, many of whom had travelled from the Ashanti Region and parts of Accra, chanted slogans and waved placards denouncing the arrest. The crowd quickly grew unruly, hurling insults at EOCO officials and threatening to breach the heavily guarded entrance.
In response to the escalating unrest, the government deployed a significant military presence to reinforce the police officers already stationed at EOCO. Armed soldiers arrived in armoured vehicles and quickly took control of the area, forming human barricades and attempting to disperse the crowd using crowd-control tactics. Despite their efforts, clashes broke out between soldiers and some of the protestors, resulting in injuries and several arrests.
According to unconfirmed reports, tear gas was used to disperse sections of the mob that had attempted to force their way into the building. Some protestors accused the security forces of using excessive force, while others vowed to return in even greater numbers if Wontumi is not released.
The reason for Wontumi’s arrest remains unclear, although sources within EOCO suggest it is linked to ongoing investigations into financial irregularities. However, party insiders claim the move is part of a broader internal scheme to silence powerful voices within the party ahead of the upcoming general elections.
The NPP leadership has yet to issue an official statement, though high-ranking party members have privately expressed outrage over what they see as the weaponisation of state institutions against their own.
The situation remains fluid as tensions continue to rise, and security forces remain on high alert. Many now fear that if the standoff is not defused soon, it could spiral into wider political unrest, deepening divisions within the ruling party and destabilising national security.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0