The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Citizenship, Constitutional and Electoral Systems (CenCES), Mr James Kwabena Bomfeh, has criticised the arrest of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, describing the action by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) as “needless and avoidable”.

Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, May 31, Mr Bomfeh questioned the necessity and conduct of EOCO’s approach, especially in contrast to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), which, he noted, had previously invited Mr Wontumi in a more civil and procedural manner.

“For me, this is needless and avoidable,” Bomfeh stated. “CID invited Wontumi and they are investigating him for wrongdoing or crimes purported to have been committed. He went with his lawyers. Could EOCO not have done the same?”

His remarks follow New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, was arrested by officials from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

This came shortly after leaving the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra.

Further criticising the justification offered by the Deputy Attorney-General, Mr Bomfeh questioned the delay in EOCO’s actions, despite claims that Wontumi is being investigated for serious offences.

“We are now told by the Deputy AG, in justification for Wontumi being kept – or a citizen being kept – that there are high crimes he is being investigated for. How long has EOCO been waiting?” he queried.

Mr Bomfeh did not mince words as he implied that political undertones may be influencing the actions of security and investigative institutions.

“It brings to question even who helps our security agencies, their backgrounds. Are they politically exposed persons?” he asked.

He further alleged that the motives behind Wontumi’s arrest appear personal and vengeful.

“The handwritings are clear – it’s about vengeance, bitterness, vendetta. The handwriting is clear,” he added.