Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi has defended the attempted arrest of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, stating that the operation was conducted in line with national security protocols.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Friday, May 23, Terlabi dismissed allegations of political motivation behind the National Investigations Bureau’s (NIB) actions at Wontumi’s residence.
He emphasized that the operation was justified and urged the public to allow security personnel to carry out their duties.
“The National Security will not go to Wontumi’s house without a reason. They went there with a reason. So let us allow the security personnel to do their job, because at the end of the day, what we need in this country is peace,” Terlabi stated.
Responding to Wontumi’s claims that the operation was an attempt to harass or harm him, the deputy minister described the allegations as a distraction.
“He is just playing the victim. Nobody wants to kill Wontumi, and they did not go there to kill him. They went there to invite him. If you are to go and catch a wild dog, you do not go there without arming yourself,” Terlabi remarked.
The attempted raid has sparked controversy, with Wontumi alleging that the NIB and Ghana Police Service stormed his residence in a politically motivated move.
Speaking on Asempa FM and addressing NPP supporters on Friday, Wontumi blamed President John Dramani Mahama’s administration for targeting him.
“Ghanaians, rise! Arise, Ghanaians! All NPP supporters should rise. It is because of you that Mahama is treating me this way,” he said.
Meanwhile, NIB has yet to release an official statement detailing the reasons for their presence at Wontumi’s residence.
