Security has been visibly intensified at the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters in Accra, with a marked deployment of police personnel across the premises. The reason for the heightened security remains officially unconfirmed, but the development follows days of political tension over the detention of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi.
Officers were seen arriving in batches on Friday morning, with additional reinforcements expected throughout the day. The Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, DCOP Duuti Tuaruka, made a brief appearance to assess the situation and engage with officers on site.
There is growing speculation that the security boost may be in anticipation of a visit by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is reportedly scheduled to be at the EOCO office at 3:00 PM. Authorities, however, have yet to confirm his appearance.
This comes in the wake of a protest on Thursday by members of the Minority caucus and NPP supporters, who gathered outside EOCO to express dissatisfaction with what they describe as “excessive” bail conditions set for Wontumi. The Ashanti Regional Chairman has been in custody for more than 48 hours, and his supporters have criticized the GH₵50 million bail as unjust.
Protesters, many clad in party colours, vowed to remain at the EOCO premises until Wontumi was released. The demonstration lasted roughly three hours before the crowd dispersed peacefully.
Amid ongoing concern, Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyire, Frank Annoh Dompreh, has alleged that Wontumi has refused to eat in protest, suggesting he may be on a hunger strike in response to what he called “shocking” treatment by EOCO officials.
With political temperatures still high, questions remain about whether the beefed-up security presence signals further demonstrations or broader precautionary measures by the state.
