''NPP Youth Condemn Chairman Wontumi’s Arrest, Call It a “Blow to Democracy''

NPP Youth Condemn Chairman Wontumi’s Arrest, Call It a “Blow to Democracy”

Accra, May 27, 2025 — The arrest of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has sparked sharp condemnation from sections of the party, with some youth leaders describing the development as “a blow to democracy.”

In a strongly worded press statement issued this afternoon, the Communication Officer of TESCON at Pentecost University, Solomon Asante Buadu, labeled the arrest as “unjust” and “politically motivated,” accusing the current government of abusing state power for partisan ends.

“We are appalled and outraged by the unjust and politically motivated arrest of our beloved Ashanti Regional Chairman,” the statement read. “This action by the NDC government is nothing short of an abuse of power and a desperate attempt to intimidate and silence the voices of the New Patriotic Party.”

Chairman Wontumi was picked up by operatives of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) shortly after he had honored a police invitation and undergone questioning at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra. While EOCO has not officially commented on the reasons for the arrest, it is believed to be linked to ongoing investigations into alleged illegal mining activities and financial irregularities.

TESCON Pentecost University, in its statement, warned that such actions by the government risk destabilizing the democratic foundations of the country. “The use of state security to target political opponents is a dark and dangerous path that undermines our democracy and threatens the peace of our nation,” Buadu stated.

The group called on Ghanaians, especially civil society, to speak out against what it termed a growing trend of political harassment. They also demanded the immediate release of Chairman Wontumi.

In what appears to be a rallying cry to the NPP's rank and file, the statement urged party leaders to take note and prepare to uphold the rule of law when the party returns to power.

“When power is returned to us by the people — as it surely will be — we must not forget. We must ensure that justice is served, not through vengeance, but through the firm application of the law,” it added.

The arrest has deepened political tensions in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections, with the opposition and government supporters exchanging sharp accusations across media platforms.

This is a developing story. Stay with us for updates.