The Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has been invited by the Ghana Police Service to assist in investigations following an alleged attack on the Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region.
According to a police statement released on Monday, November 3, 2025, the MP is alleged to have incited a mob and obstructed the NAIMOS team during an operation against illegal miners in the area.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has since directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters to take over the case for a full-scale investigation.
Preliminary findings revealed that on Saturday, November 1, 2025, the NAIMOS Director and his team intercepted illegal miners operating near Bronikrom in the Ahafo Region and arrested several suspects. Items retrieved included a Smith & Wesson pistol, two pistol magazines, twenty-one rounds of 9mm ammunition, an unregistered Range Rover, an unregistered Toyota RAV4, and multiple mobile phones.
While the suspects were being processed for transfer to the Hwidiem Police Station, the MP reportedly arrived with a group of men demanding their release. When his request was denied, the group allegedly forcibly removed the suspects’ handcuffs and chased the NAIMOS officers away from the scene.
Later that day, a mob of about 600 people, reportedly incited by the MP, besieged the Hwidiem Police Station demanding the release of the arrested miners and impounded vehicles. The enraged crowd vandalised the NAIMOS Director’s vehicle, damaged parts of the police station, and threatened to burn it down.
Reinforcement teams from the Ahafo Regional Police Command were swiftly deployed to restore calm and prevent further destruction. The joint intervention of the police, military, and the Zongo Chief of Hwidiem helped mediate the tense situation and ensure the safe evacuation of the NAIMOS team.
Although no injuries were reported, the Zongo Chief’s vehicle was damaged during the confrontation. The Police say investigations are ongoing, and appropriate legal action will follow based on evidence gathered.
The incident adds to growing national tension over illegal mining and political interference in Ghana’s anti-galamsey operations, as authorities continue efforts to curb environmental destruction and lawlessness linked to the illicit trade.
