By: Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has asked the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to cooperate with law enforcement agencies as they carry out their duties, following his recent arrest and detention by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
In an interview on GBC’s news and current affairs programme ‘Focus’, Mr Mahama Ayariga reflected on his own experience with the justice system, stating that he was prosecuted for several years under the previous NPP administration. According to him, during that period, he was invited by the Office of the Special Prosecutor while Parliament was in session.
Citing parliamentary immunity, Mr Ayariga said he initially declined the invitation, arguing that he could not be compelled to leave parliamentary proceedings. However, the court insisted on his appearance.
“I went to court and fought my case, and I was vindicated,” Ayariga said. “I urge Chairman Wontumi to also go and fight his case in court.”
His remarks come in the wake of Wontumi’s arrest by EOCO on Tuesday, May 27. The NPP Chairman had earlier reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra to assist with ongoing investigations. However, as he exited the CID premises, he was intercepted and taken into custody by heavily armed EOCO officers.
NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye confirmed the incident, describing the arrest as unexpected and forceful. The circumstances have since sparked public debate and concern within political circles.
Addressing the controversy, Ayariga stated that law enforcement agencies, including national security operatives, are simply doing their job. He dismissed criticisms over the manner in which arrests are carried out, noting that while security operatives may appear heavily armed and use “Rambo-style” tactics during operations, they typically act in support of the police and do not directly arrest suspects themselves.
He emphasized that the rule of law must be respected, regardless of the methods used during an arrest. “If someone is being picked up, they should comply and request legal representation,” he advised. “If access to a lawyer is denied, then that is a clear violation of their human rights, and any court will be willing to defend those rights.”
Ayariga further cautioned that individuals should not use their political influence or control of media platforms to challenge law enforcement actions unfairly. “If people are intimidated by the number of security officers who come to pick up one person, then they shouldn’t intimidate the law enforcement agencies either,” he said.
He stressed that accountability is a key responsibility of any government, and that the legal process must be allowed to run its course. “Wontumi should not use his media influence to try and intimidate the law,” he warned. “He should go and respond to EOCO’s questions and assist in the investigations.”
