Asutifi North MP Invited to Assist in Ongoing Probe
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters to take over investigations into an attack on the Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and his team by thugs at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region.
The Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, who is alleged to have incited the mob and obstructed the NAIMOS operation, has been invited by police investigators to assist with the ongoing probe.
Background of the Incident
Preliminary investigations reveal that on Saturday, November 1, 2025, the NAIMOS Director and his team intercepted a group of illegal miners operating near Bronikrom in the Ahafo Region, arresting several suspects at the scene.
Items retrieved during the operation included:
- One Smith & Wesson pistol
- Two pistol magazines
- Twenty-one (21) rounds of 9mm ammunition
- An unregistered Range Rover vehicle
- An unregistered Toyota RAV4 vehicle
- Several mobile phones
While preparing to hand over the suspects to the Hwidiem Police Station, the MP for Asutifi North allegedly arrived with a group of men and demanded the release of the suspects. When his demand was refused, the group reportedly forcibly removed the handcuffs and chased the NAIMOS team from the scene.
Violent Mob Attack
A mob, estimated at 600 people, later besieged the Hwidiem Police Station, allegedly at the MP’s instigation, demanding the release of the suspects and the seized vehicles. The group vandalised the Director’s vehicle, damaged parts of the police station, and threatened to set it ablaze.
Police reinforcements from the Ahafo Regional Command were deployed to restore calm and prevent further destruction.
Calm Restored Through Mediation
Peace was eventually restored through the combined efforts of the police, military, and the Zongo Chief of Hwidiem, who intervened to mediate and ensure the safe evacuation of the NAIMOS team. The Zongo Chief’s vehicle was damaged during the disturbances, but no injuries were reported.
Police Response
The Ghana Police Service has strongly condemned the attack and warned against any attempts to interfere with law enforcement operations.
The statement signed by the Director-General, Police Public Affairs, DCOP, Grace Ansah-Akrofi, said a special operation has been launched to identify and arrest all persons involved, who will face the full rigours of the law.
By Peter Quao Adattor
