Hwidiem clash: Asutifi North MP arraigned over attack on NAIMOS
The Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has been arraigned following allegations that he obstructed an anti-illegal mining operation carried out by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) near Bronikrom–Hwediem in the Ahafo Region.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, November 1, 2025, reportedly involved a group of youth resisting a NAIMOS task force during a raid on illegal mining sites in the area.
The MP has been accused of instigating the attack on the task force—an allegation he has categorically denied.
According to Mr Addo, his presence at the scene was not to obstruct the operation but to calm tensions and prevent a breakdown of public order.
Confirming the development in Parliament, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga said the MP appeared at the CID headquarters in the company of the Majority Chief Whip and his lawyer before being formally charged and taken to court.
“He went with the Majority Chief Whip and his lawyer. They received him at the CID headquarters and took him through the processes. I received a call not quite long ago that he has been taken to court, and as we speak, he is in court being arraigned,” Mr Ayariga told Parliament.
The Majority Leader emphasised that while Members of Parliament hold positions of public trust, they are not above the law.
“Let me also indicate that as Members of Parliament, we do not consider ourselves to be above the law. We are always ready to be held accountable for our actions and inactions,” he stated.
