Some supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Thursday, May 28, blocked a police riot control vehicle with a pick-up truck and car tyres in protest over the continued detention of Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, at the Head office of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

The incident unfolded as party supporters, including NPP Members of Parliament, marched from Parliament House to the EOCO head office in a show of solidarity on Thursday.

• Read also: Minority storms EOCO HQ to demand Wontumi’s release

Their action followed a walkout by the Minority in Parliament earlier in the day, which was staged in protest of the bail conditions imposed on Wontumi.

Upon arriving at EOCO, the supporters gathered in large numbers at the main entrance, holding hands together and chanting solidarity songs as they demanded the immediate release of the embattled party chairman, who had been in custody for nearly 48 hours.

Tensions escalated when a police riot control vehicle attempted to access the EOCO compound. The agitated crowd hooted at the vehicle and, in defiance, used a pick-up truck to block its path.

As the situation intensified, supporters began banging on the vehicle and declared their intent not to allow it through.

Some protesters also dragged car tyres onto the road to further obstruct access. Meanwhile, police officers on the ground were seen engaging with the crowd in an attempt to de-escalate the situation and better understand the concerns of the aggrieved supporters.