Private legal practitioner Nana Yaw Osei is calling for the arrest and investigation of Asutifi North MP Ebenezer Kwaku Addo over alleged involvement in galamsey-related activities and related security threats.
In a Facebook post titled “ARREST THE MP FOR INVESTIGATION & POSSIBLE PROSECUTION,” Osei argues that the MP should be compelled to name individuals he allegedly recruited to secure the release of suspects linked to illegal mining.
Excerpts from the post contend that the MP’s alleged involvement in an attack on security officers aiding anti-galamsey operations warrants investigation and, if culpable, charging and prosecution.
Nana Yaw Osei also calls for the re-arrest and prosecution of those previously arrested for galamsey.
He stated, “The MP should be able to name the thugs he allegedly took to secure the release of those arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal mining.
“Those who were arrested for engaging in the galamsey should be re-arrested and prosecuted,” he emphasized.
The call follows reports that police in Hwidiem had to rescue a team of military officers from NAIMOS after they were attacked by a mob during an anti-galamsey operation.
According to accounts, on saturday, 1st November 2025, the Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), accompanied by ten (10) soldiers, conducted a reconnaissance mission in the Ahafo Region. The objective was to identify a suitable location for the permanent deployment of a NAIMOS field task force in line with the Secretariat’s strategic plan to sustain anti-illegal mining operations.
While travelling along the Goaso to Hwidiem highway, the Director’s attention was drawn to an excavator engaged in mining along the roadside near Bronikrom. The team diverted to the location and apprehended several individuals actively mining. The Director instructed the suspects to refill the pits they had dug to prevent further environmental degradation.
The Director then ordered one of the arrested persons to call the site owner. The first individual to arrive identified himself as a Defence Intelligence (DI) representative from the Ahafo Region. Shortly after, an individual named Alex arrived in a Toyota RAV4, arrogantly claiming ownership of the site. Another man arrived later in a Range Rover and was also arrested. While at it, the Naimos field task force set ablaze shelters used as offices and shelters by the illegal miners.
A search of the suspects’ vehicles led to a shocking discovery. The team found one (1) Smith and Wesson pistol, two (2) pistol magazines and twenty-one (21) rounds of nine-millimeter ammunition, twelve (12) assorted mobile phones, a black side bag, cash amounting to eleven thousand (11,000) Ghana cedis, one power bank, and a Lexus ignition key.
While arrangements were being made to convey the suspects to the Hwidiem Police Station, the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Hon. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, arrived at the scene with several thugs. The MP indicated that he was sent by Hon Collins Dauda, MP for the area and demanded that the Director releases the arrested kingpins including a Burkinabe immediately and remove their handcuffs, arguing that he did not want the locals to see them in handcuffs.
The Director politely declined the unlawful request, maintaining that the arrests were appropriate and that the right procedure be followed through to the Police.
Subesequently, reports suggest the MP and the thugs became violent and forcefully snatched the handcuffs keys from one of the soldiers and took the handcuffs off the kingpins before chasing the NAIMOS team whiles going to the police station.
Upon arrival at the Hwidiem Police Station to lodge a report and hand over the suspects and exhibits, a crowd of about six hundred (600) people from Hwidiem and nearby communities surrounded the station. The mob, incited by Hon. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, demanded the immediate release of the arrested suspects and seized vehicles. They warned that they would “discipline” the soldiers if their demands were ignored.
The situation quickly turned more violent. The Director of Operations’ Toyota Hilux pickup was vandalized, and the mob threatened to burn down the police station, even when the MP was reminded to call his mob to order. The tense standoff created a serious threat to life and property, placing immense pressure on both the Director of Operations and the police officers on duty.
Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu
