An armed officers from the Ghana Army have been deployed to man the head office of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Ghana’s capital, Accra, following the detention of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bernard Antwi-Boasiako
Wontumi was captured by EOCO officials shortly after he exited the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters on Tuesday, May 27, where he had earlier reported for further Interrogation as part of ongoing investigations into alleged illegal mining activities and unauthorized mining in forest reserves.
Womtumi’s arrest by EOCO operatives has generated a strong reaction from NPP members and supporters, who have besieged the EOCO office in large numbers. The crowd, cladded in party paraphernalia, is chanting patriotic songs and the NPP anthem in solidarity with their regional chairman.
Security has been beefed up, with military personnel scattered at key points to maintain order and prevent any possible unrest.
EOCO has not released an official statement explaining the specific reasons for Wontumi’s arrest.