A shocking incident unfolded in the Ahafo Region when the Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and his team were violently attacked by a mob allegedly led by the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Hon. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo.
Reconnaissance Mission Turns Chaotic
The Director of Operations, accompanied by ten (10) soldiers, was on a reconnaissance mission along the Goaso–Hwidiem highway to identify a suitable site for the permanent deployment of a NAIMOS field task force. Their mission aimed to reinforce government’s sustained fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
While en route, the team noticed an excavator operating near Bronikrom and moved in to investigate. Several illegal miners were apprehended, and the Director instructed them to refill the pits they had dug to prevent further environmental destruction.
Discovery of Weapons and Cash
During the operation, the team searched the suspects’ vehicles and discovered a Smith & Wesson pistol, two pistol magazines, twenty-one (21) rounds of 9mm ammunition, twelve mobile phones, ₵11,000 in cash, a power bank, and a Lexus ignition key.
Three suspects, including a man claiming to be a Defence Intelligence officer and another identified as “Alex,” were arrested after they arrived at the site in luxury vehicles, including a Range Rover and a Toyota RAV4.
MP’s Intervention Sparks Violence
As the team prepared to transport the suspects to the Hwidiem Police Station, Hon. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, accompanied by several armed thugs, arrived at the scene. The MP claimed he had been sent by Hon. Collins Dauda, the MP for the area, and demanded that the arrested suspects — including a Burkinabe national — be released immediately.
When the Director refused to comply with what he described as an “unlawful order,” the MP’s group became aggressive. They forcibly seized the soldiers’ handcuff keys, freed the suspects, and chased the NAIMOS team toward the police station.
Mob Besieges Hwidiem Police Station
Upon reaching the Hwidiem Police Station, chaos erupted. A crowd of about 600 people reportedly surrounded the station, chanting for the immediate release of the suspects and the return of seized vehicles. Eyewitnesses say the mob, allegedly incited by Hon. Addo, threatened to “discipline” the soldiers if their demands were ignored.
The crowd vandalized the Director’s Toyota Hilux pickup and threatened to burn down the police station. Despite repeated appeals, the MP allegedly failed to control his supporters.
Police Reinforcements and Mediation
A distress call brought in reinforcements led by Chief Superintendent Prince Odom-Koduah, Ahafo Regional Crime Officer, with support from Superintendent John Atanga, Superintendent Opoku Yamoah, and other senior officers.
Even with the additional security presence, tensions remained dangerously high until Alhaji Mohammed Bashiru Zarikyi, the Zongo Chief of Hwidiem, intervened. He appealed for calm and later assisted in safely evacuating the NAIMOS officials after nightfall — a period made more tense by a sudden power outage.
During the evacuation, the Zongo Chief’s Toyota Sequoia had its rear windscreen smashed as thugs attacked the departing convoy. Fortunately, no injuries were recorded.
NAIMOS Condemns Interference
The Director of Operations condemned the interference by the MP, describing it as “unfortunate and a serious obstruction to the lawful duties of NAIMOS.” He emphasized that the fight against illegal mining requires unity and support from all Ghanaians — particularly influential figures — rather than interference that undermines law enforcement.
He added that NAIMOS remains resolute and undeterred, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and
restoring sanity to the mining sector.
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