Former presidential staffer for Local Government and Decentralization, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has criticized the handling of the arrest and detention of Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, describing the action as politically motivated and poorly managed.
Aboagye expressed concern over what he sees as selective justice and the increasing weaponization of the country’s legal and security institutions.
“Our political class and the security agencies should not weaponize the law. As for the law, you can use it for so many things. You can weaponize it to destroy people – even though it is the law”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Former Presidential Staffer
Chairman Wontumi was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), following his earlier interaction with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). Aboagye noted that the response by members of the NPP who rushed to EOCO headquarters to demand his release was predictable and justified given the context.
Aboagye challenged the integrity of the process, suggesting that the arrest targeted the NPP unfairly. He questioned why other individuals from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) alleged to be involved in recent controversies had not received the same treatment.
“If it’s not political, why isn’t the Aowin MP being investigated? If it’s not political, why isn’t the Upper Denkyira East NDC chairman being investigated?”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Former Presidential Staffer
Referring to specific unresolved incidents under the current administration of President John Dramani Mahama, Aboagye pointed to what he described as “active, burning and very recent cases” involving other political figures who remain untouched by law enforcement. He emphasized that the timing and choice of Wontumi’s arrest reflect a targeted agenda.
The former presidential staffer stressed the importance of recognizing the emotional and symbolic weight the party holds for its members. He warned that failure to properly manage the current situation could lead to more public mobilizations in protest.
“The NPP is not just a symbol that people go and vote for. It is an organization. One that has millions of people holding ID cards. These people don’t just show up because they get money – they show up because a member of their organization is perceived to be persecuted”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Former Presidential Staffer
He cautioned against losing sight of the NPP’s power and influence. “They might have more people mobilizing the longer he stays there.”
Vindictive Politics
Aboagye raised alarm over the conditions of Wontumi’s detention, arguing that the manner in which the arrest was carried out borders on psychological torture. While admitting that Wontumi may have questions to answer, he insisted that the process should be lawful and humane.
“You don’t put somebody in a room and torture him to speak because you want to solicit information. If you put me in a room with light on and I sit idle for a long time and you’re watching me on camera that’s a kind of torture”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Former Presidential Staffer
Aboagye urged for uniform application of justice, emphasizing that if Wontumi must be investigated, then so must others who have also been implicated in serious cases. He cited the unresolved concerns raised by various traditional leaders regarding illegal mining, as well as alleged misconduct by other NDC officials.
“Currently, National Security has taken over a mining site and are mining, okay, they themselves switch on the machine and are mining.
“I don’t think that vindictive politics is the way to go. I am telling you, tables do turn. Today, look at the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, lamenting, almost on her knees, helpless”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Former Presidential Staffer
He warned against vindictive politics, arguing that the current climate of political revenge was setting a dangerous precedent. Aboagye drew parallels to the previous administration, suggesting that the NDC’s satisfaction over the suspension of the Chief Justice is rooted in perceived injustices from the past.
“They say it was done to the Electoral Commissioner, Charlotte Osei. Do you see the way it’s growing? Next time it will not be the Chief Justice, it may be the President,” he warned.
He concluded by calling for greater wisdom and prudence in law enforcement when dealing with high-profile political figures, stating that privileges and courtesies exist for a reason.
“If you come and do this to let’s say some Kofi Mensah, you may not have people mass up, but logic should tell you that if you do it to Hon. Fred Kwesi Agbenyo, for example, you may have people of Guan who live in Accra coming in solidarity to protest.
“So is that the best way to handle it? That is all I am saying”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Former Presidential Staffer
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