Security has been intensified at the headquarters of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra following growing political tension over the continued detention of the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi.
Multiple police officers have been deployed to the EOCO premises, with more arriving in batches throughout Friday.
Their presence comes a day after Minority MPs and NPP supporters stormed the building in protest of what they described as harsh bail conditions imposed on Wontumi.
Though the Ghana Police Service has yet to officially explain the deployment, many believe the move may be connected to the expected visit of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is reportedly scheduled to arrive at the EOCO offices later in the day.
The Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, DCOP Duuti Tuaruka, was also seen briefly at the scene, interacting with officers and assessing the security arrangement.
Wontumi has now spent over 48 hours in custody, and concerns over his condition continue to grow. On Thursday, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh Dompreh claimed the detained party chairman had refused to eat in protest of his treatment and was later taken to the NIB Clinic for medical attention.
A police officer, speaking anonymously, noted, “Given the situation and recent protest, we are here to maintain order and ensure nothing gets out of hand”.
With tension still lingering, the heightened police presence has left many wondering whether further demonstrations are anticipated or if the deployment is purely precautionary.
