Scores of the supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) converged at the residence of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako—popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—following an attempted arrest by officers from the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) and the Ghana Police Service on Friday, May 23, 2025.

The early morning operation, which saw heavily armed security personnel surrounding Chairman Wontumi’s home, sparked swift and intense reactions from party loyalists.

By mid-morning, a crowd of supporters had assembled at the premises in protest, demanding answers and denouncing the show of force.

The motive behind the security operation remains unclear, but sources indicate that Chairman Wontumi, who was reportedly inside the house at the time, assured officers of his willingness to honour their invitation and appear before the authorities on Monday, May 26, 2025.

As tensions flared and chants filled the air, the NIB reportedly ordered a withdrawal of all security personnel from the scene, easing the immediate standoff.

Despite the retreat, a significant number of party supporters continue to maintain a vigil outside the residence as a show of solidarity.

Addressing the media, NPP Ashanti Regional Secretary and member of Chairman Wontumi’s legal team, Kwame Adom-Appiah, strongly criticised how the operation was carried out.

“When you intend to arrest someone, arriving with nearly 20 vehicles is excessive—especially when the individual is not a threat to national security or plotting a coup,” he said. “This approach is not only unnecessary but also places an undue financial burden on the state. A simple, lawful invitation would have been sufficient.”

He called for restraint from the security services and urged respect for due process in handling such matters involving high-profile individuals.