Former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has criticised the arrest and detention of NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, describing it as another low point in Ghana’s democratic journey.

Chairman Wontumi was arrested on 27 May 2025 by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in connection with alleged fraud and money laundering. His arrest has sparked public debate, with supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) questioning the motive and timing.

Speaking on the issue, Jinapor described the arrest as politically charged and emblematic of a recurring pattern where state power is used to pursue vendettas rather than justice.

“Quite regrettably and unfortunately, this is another classic case of the Ghanaian democracy circus — the merry-go-round,” he said. “We come into office, Chairman Wontumi said this, and he said that, he offended this person, he offended that person. So let’s detain him, let’s teach him a little lesson, and let’s ruffle him up.”

He warned that such practices erode public trust and damage Ghana’s democratic reputation.

Jinapor, who served under the Akufo-Addo administration, expressed strong hope that a future NPP government would break from this trend.

“I’m hoping that in the not-too-distant future, an NPP government — God willing — will depart from this and come into office and deal with people by the law,” he stated.

According to him, accountability must be pursued based on evidence, not partisanship.

“When there is clear, strong evidence of wrongdoing, people should face the full rigours of the law. But it must be done in a manner that their human rights are not trampled upon and not motivated by political considerations. I think that will be absolutely good for our country,” Jinapor concluded.