The Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has denied allegations that he incited a mob to attack members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and military officers at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region.
In a statement on Monday, November 3, 2025, the MP described the incident as unfortunate and clarified that he only intervened to help calm tensions between the taskforce and some residents of Asutifi South.
According to Mr. Addo, he was on his way to attend a funeral at Acherensua when he was informed that military personnel were carrying out an operation at a gold mining site near Hwidiem.
He explained that Collins Dauda, the MP for Asutifi South, who was out of the country at the time, requested that he visit the site on his behalf to engage the team.
Upon arrival, Mr. Addo said he introduced himself to the military officers and advised that all parties move to the Hwidiem Police Station to make official statements and hand over the suspects and seized items to the authorities in order to de-escalate tensions.
He recounted that the situation intensified when some roads were blocked and residents began to gather, but he stayed at the police charge office with the security officers and the Regional Crime Officer while statements were taken.
He also invited the Zongo Chief of Hwidiem to help calm the situation, a move he said contributed to restoring order.
Mr. Addo noted that the Zongo Chief’s vehicle was later vandalized while transporting the officers, but by that time, he had already left for other engagements. He emphasized that at no point did he encourage violence or attempt to obstruct the work of the security personnel.
“As a responsible lawmaker, I offered my support to ensure there is calmness in the area and will always work together with every security agency to maintain law and order,” he stated.
He expressed disappointment that the police’s situation report did not acknowledge his role in restoring peace, and urged the public to disregard what he described as false narratives aimed at tarnishing his image.
Below is the statement
