The Deputy National Women’s Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hajia Safia Mohammed, has slammed the government over what she termed as political persecution of members of the opposition, following the arrest and detention of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako.

She has called on the government to release Bernard Antwi Boasiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Her call follows the arrest and subsequent detention of Wontumi, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

According to Hajia Safia, as a mother, a Ghanaian, and a believer in the democratic values the nation was built upon, she feels heartbroken by the events unfolding around Chairman Wontumi’s detention pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

“His recent arrest and the GH¢50 million bail with two sureties to be justified raise serious questions. Is this truly about justice, or are we witnessing the slow erosion of our democracy through political intimidation?” she said in a statement on May 30, 2025.

According to the NPP Deputy National Women’s Organiser, many were hopeful that the return of President John Mahama to power would bring unity, peace, and reconciliation.

She, however, stated that the reality in current times has proven otherwise.

Describing the incident as disturbing, she noted that prominent voices from the opposition are being targeted and the lines between the rule of law and political vendetta are becoming dangerously blurred.

“Chairman Wontumi may be a passionate and controversial figure, but like every Ghanaian, he deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness.

“The law must apply to all, not only when it is politically convenient. When justice is weaponised, the country suffers. When power is used to silence opponents, trust in leadership is weakened.

“This is not the Ghana we want for our children. Ghana deserves leadership that builds bridges, not walls. Leadership that listens, not one that punishes dissent,” she said.

She called on the president to let the NDC administration rise above such occurrences and lead with the confidence of true statesmanship, not the fear of a threatened rival.

She added that Chairman Wontumi deserved a fair legal process, not a political takedown.

“Let justice be fair, not forceful. Let leadership unite, not divide. Ghana is watching. Mr President, you may control the police, EOCO, and the CID today, but you do not control the will of the people. And when the people rise, no amount of power can protect you from the judgment of history.

“We demand justice for Chairman Wontumi. We demand an end to the political witch-hunting. And we demand that you, President Mahama, act like a leader, not a dictator in disguise,” she stated.

Armed security officers, on 23 May 2025, besieged the Kumasi residence of the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman in an attempt to arrest him, for various alleged crimes including illicit mining but the officers failed.

Chairman Wontumi voluntarily reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra, on May 26, 2025, where he was cautioned and granted bail with two sureties.

However, upon returning to the CID on May 27 , 2025, he was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and has since remained in custody.

AM/VPO

After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below: