By On May 23, 2025, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), found himself at the center of a dramatic and highly publicized incident as a combined team of police and National Security operatives stormed his residence in Kumasi.
The operation, which involved heavily armed personnel surrounding his home and demanding access to the locked premises, sparked widespread attention and speculation across Ghana. In a moment of emotional distress, Chairman Wontumi called out to Ghanaians, alleging that he was being targeted due to his political ambitions, particularly his bid for the NPP’s National Chairmanship.
Background on Chairman Wontumi
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, often referred to as Chairman Wontumi, is a polarizing figure in Ghanaian politics. A prominent businessman and politician, he has served as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP since 2014, securing re-elections in 2018 and 2022. Known for his flamboyant style, trademark gold chains, and outspoken demeanor, Wontumi has built a reputation as a staunch NPP loyalist and a key figure in the party’s stronghold in the Ashanti Region.
His business ventures, notably Akonta Mining Limited, have frequently drawn scrutiny, with allegations of involvement in illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey.” Despite these controversies, Wontumi has maintained significant influence within the NPP and the region, leveraging his media outlets, Wontumi Radio and Movement TV, to promote the party’s agenda.
The Raid on Wontumi’s Residence
On the morning of May 23, 2025, reports emerged that a joint team of police and National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) operatives had surrounded Chairman Wontumi’s home in Kumasi. Viral videos showed armed personnel, some in police uniforms and others in plain clothes, arriving in white pick-up trucks and banging on the main entrance gate, which was locked at the time.
According to Citi FM and other sources, the operatives were executing a search warrant, though the specific reasons for the raid were not disclosed. It remains unclear whether Wontumi was present at the residence during the operation, and the heavy security presence created a tense atmosphere in the area.
The raid followed recent government actions against Wontumi’s Akonta Mining Limited, including the suspension of its mining license due to alleged illegal activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western Region. This development intensified speculation that the operation was linked to ongoing investigations into his business dealings or his political activities.
Wontumi’s Emotional Plea
In the wake of the raid, Chairman Wontumi made an emotional appeal to Ghanaians, framing the incident as a politically motivated attack. In a statement shared via Wontumi Communications on X, he declared, “Nobody will frighten me in this country,” signaling his defiance amid the turmoil.
Posts on X captured his distress, with one user, @SIKAOFFICIAL1, noting that Wontumi called on “well-meaning Ghanaians” to support him against what he described as “politically motivated persecution.” He linked the raid to his ambition to contest for the NPP’s National Chairmanship in the lead-up to the 2028 general elections, claiming that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) was targeting him out of fear of his growing influence.
Wontumi’s emotional outcry resonated with some NPP supporters, who expressed frustration over the raid. One X post highlighted a man questioning what offense Wontumi had committed to justify such a heavy-handed operation, emphasizing that he was neither a minister nor a government official.
The incident reignited debates about the use of state security apparatus in political disputes, with some accusing the NDC-led government of targeting opposition figures.
Context of Wontumi’s Controversies
The raid on Wontumi’s residence is the latest in a series of controversies that have defined his public life. His mining company, Akonta Mining, has been at the heart of allegations of illegal mining, prompting investigations by the Special Prosecutor and calls for his arrest by private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu in 2022.
Despite President Nana Akufo-Addo’s 2022 statement clearing Akonta Mining of wrongdoing, the recent revocation of its license suggests renewed scrutiny. Wontumi has consistently denied these allegations, framing them as attempts to tarnish his reputation and derail his political ambitions.
Additionally, Wontumi’s outspoken nature has often landed him in trouble. In 2020, he was cited by the Media Foundation for West Africa as the most abusive individual on radio due to his use of indecent expressions. His remarks against political opponents, including the NDC’s running mate in 2020, Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, drew widespread criticism, though he later expressed regret, claiming his words were misunderstood.
More recently, in 2024, Wontumi faced backlash for comments perceived as disrespectful to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, further straining his relationship with traditional authorities in the Ashanti Region.
Political Implications
The raid and Wontumi’s emotional response have significant implications for Ghana’s political landscape. The Ashanti Region is the NPP’s stronghold, and Wontumi’s influence as a regional chairman has been pivotal in mobilizing support for the party.
His ambition to become the NPP’s National Chairman has positioned him as a key figure in the party’s future, but it has also made him a target for political opponents. His claim that the NDC fears his candidacy reflects the high stakes of the 2028 elections, where the NPP aims to regain power after losing to the NDC in 2024.
The operation has also fueled accusations of political witch-hunting. NPP officials, including General Secretary Justin Kodua, reportedly gathered at the scene, signaling the party’s concern over the treatment of one of its prominent figures. The lack of clarity about the raid’s purpose has only deepened suspicions that it was intended to intimidate Wontumi and weaken the NPP’s influence in the Ashanti Region.
Public Sentiment and Media Coverage
Public reactions, as reflected on X, are mixed. While some Ghanaians expressed sympathy for Wontumi, viewing the raid as an overreach by the state, others see it as a necessary step to address allegations of illegal activities. Media outlets like Citi FM, MyJoyOnline, and Ghanaweb provided extensive coverage, with videos and images of the armed operatives amplifying the incident’s visibility. Wontumi’s own media platforms, particularly Wontumi TV, have been instrumental in shaping the narrative, framing him as a victim of political persecution.
Conclusion
The storming of Chairman Wontumi’s residence on May 23, 2025, and his emotional plea to Ghanaians mark a critical moment in his tumultuous political and business career. As a larger-than-life figure known for his wealth, influence, and controversies, Wontumi’s claim of being targeted for his National Chairmanship ambition underscores the intense political rivalries in Ghana.
While the exact reasons for the raid remain unclear, the incident has heightened tensions between the NPP and the NDC, raising questions about the use of state power and the future of political discourse in the country. As investigations into Wontumi’s activities continue, his ability to navigate this crisis will likely shape his political trajectory and the NPP’s fortunes in the Ashanti Region.
