Ebenezer Kwaku Addo
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has been invited by police to assist investigations into an alleged attack on officers of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) during an anti-galamsey operation in the Ahafo Region on Saturday.
The invitation follows a violent confrontation on November 1, 2025, when the NAIMOS Director of Operations, accompanied by ten soldiers, conducted a reconnaissance mission to establish a permanent taskforce base in the region.
During the exercise along the Goaso–Hwidiem road, the team reportedly spotted an excavator mining near Bronikrom and moved in, arresting several individuals and ordering them to refill excavated pits to prevent environmental damage.
Shortly after, three men arrived at the scene with one claiming to be a Defence Intelligence officer, another identified only as Alex who asserted ownership of the site, and a third who drove a Range Rover. A search of their vehicles reportedly uncovered a Smith & Wesson pistol, two magazines, 21 rounds of 9mm ammunition, GH¢11,000 cash, 12 mobile phones and other items. All three were arrested, and makeshift structures on the site were set ablaze.
According to reports, while the suspects were being prepared for transport to the Hwidiem Police Station, the Asutifi North MP allegedly arrived with a group of men and demanded the immediate release of what he described as “kingpins,” including a Burkinabe national.
When the NAIMOS commander declined, the group reportedly turned violent, seized handcuff keys from a soldier and freed the suspects before pursuing the taskforce to the police station.
A crowd of about 600 people later gathered at the Hwidiem Police Station, threatening to “discipline” the soldiers and demanding the release of the suspects and their vehicles.
The pickup belonging to the NAIMOS Director was vandalised, and threats were reportedly made to burn the station.
Senior police officers and the Zongo Chief of Hwidiem, Alhaji Mohammed Bashiru Zarikyi, intervened to calm tensions and escort the NAIMOS team to safety, though the chief’s vehicle was damaged in the process.
The Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters to take over the case.
Exhibits retrieved from the scene include the pistol, ammunition, unregistered vehicles and multiple phones, while a special operation is underway to arrest those involved.
Mr. Addo has denied orchestrating the attack, stating that he went to the scene at the request of Asutifi South MP, Collins Dauda, only to help de-escalate tensions. He insists he did not interfere with the operation, but police say he will assist with inquiries into allegations of incitement and obstruction of the NAIMOS team.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke