The Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has distanced himself from allegations of inciting residents of his constituency against members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region.

His clarification comes in response to claims that the MP conspired with his constituents to attack the officials and obstruct the operations of the NAIMOS team.

However, the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North has debunked these allegations, emphasizing that he only found himself at the center of the recent confrontation between residents of his constituency because he decided to intervene to calm tensions.

According to his statement, “I am compelled to address the recent unfortunate incident between some residents of Asutifi South and the Military Taskforce deployed on National Assignment (NAIMOS). Chronology of what transpired: On 1st November, 2025, whiles en route to a funeral at Acherensua in the Asutifi South Constituency”.

“I inquired from Hon. Collins Dauda, the MP for the Asutifi South Constituency whether he was available so we could move together. Hon. Dauda indicated that he is currently not in the country so I could represent him. Upon reaching Hwidiem I realized there was tension in town so I inquired and was told there was a Military Operations going on at a gold extraction site. I quickly called back Hon. Dauda to inform him of the development”.

On Saturday, November 1, Officials of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) narrowly escaped death in a mob assault at Hwediem in the Ahafo Region.

The officials came under violent attack while carrying out their day-to-day activities as part of efforts to crack down on illegal mining in the Ahafo Region.The operation resulted in the arrest of several miners, including a Burkinabe national.

Locals were seen in a video that has since gone viral confronting the anti-mining task force and calling for the release of those arrested during the operation.

Speaking to the media, NAIMOS spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, described the attack as “extremely and profoundly disappointing,” adding, “It was a huge surprise that the locals became agitated, demanding the release of those arrested, and then began attacking the NAIMOS team.”

Read the full statement of the MP below:

OFFICE OF THE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

HON. EBENEZER KWAKU ADDO

ASUTIFI NORTH CONSTITUENCY

E-Mail: ebenezerkwaku57@gmail.com

Tel: +233-547631870/0534068635

Date: 3rd November,2025

PARLIAMENT x

OF GHANA

PRESS RELEASE

TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF ASUTIFI NORTH AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC

I am compelled to address the recent unfortunate incident between some residents of Asutifi South and the Military Taskforce deployed on National Assignment (NAIMOS).

Chronology of what transpired: On 1st November, 2025, whiles en route to a funeral at Acherensua in the Asutifi South Constituency, I inquired from Hon. Collins Dauda, the MP for the Asutifi South Constituency whether he was available so we could move together. Hon. Dauda indicated that he is currently not in the country so I could represent him. Upon reaching Hwidiem I realized there was tension in town so I inquired and was told there was a Military Operations going on at a gold extraction site. I quickly called back Hon. Dauda to inform him of the development.

He asked me to go to the site to enable him speak with the Team to ascertain what was going on because one of the Assembly members who he sent wasn't spoke to by the Military team.

Upon reaching the site with my constituency Vice Chairman and driver, I introduced myself to the leader and asked that he speaks to the person on the phone.

Having arrived at the place I saw some youth at the site whiles others gradually massed up. The only advise I could give was for us to move to the police station to officially make a statement and subsequently hand over items and suspects to the police to calm tensions

Upon reaching the police station, it was seen that the major road had been blocked preventing vehicular movement.

Together with the Military, Regional Police Crime Officer, NIB operatives, Kenyasi Police Commander, we all remained in the police charge office whiles statements were being taking. I went further to call in the Zongo Chief of Hwidiem to assist us in calming the situation and he came.

Having finalized the handing over of items to the Regional Crime Officer, the Zongo Chief volunteered to pick the Military officers into his Toyota Sequoia vehicle because the pick up of the military had been tampered with

The Toyota vehicle of the Zongo Chief had its glasses smashed at the back, by then I had left to attend other funerals in Ntotroso,Gyedu and Wamahinso.

I wish to state that under no circumstance will I incite the youth against security officers and any government planned agenda.

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.

It is quite unfortunate that the police in their sitrep failed to acknowledge my contribution towards ensuring that calmness prevail.

I urge the public to disregard the false narratives aimed at tarnishing my reputation and undermining my efforts to serve my constituents.

As your Member of Parliament, I want to assure you that I remain committed to the welfare and safety of the Ghanaian citizens and other State Institutions.

SIGNED

EBENEZER KWAKU ADDO (MP)

END

The John Dramani Mahama led government established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat in July as part of efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the country. Speaking during an update on Wednesday, July 23, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, disclosed that the newly established Secretariat will act as the brain of Ghana’s anti-illegal mining operations.

“To coordinate the efforts of the military, police, and other security agencies, the ministry has established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) as the operational nerve-centre for Ghana’s fight against illegal small-scale mining,” he stated.

The Secretariat’s responsibility is to collaborate with other key institutions such as the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance (GRA–Customs Division), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority as part of its mandate.This collaboration is expected to ensure that excavators and other earth-moving equipment entering the country are not diverted for illegal mining activities.

“In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance (GRA–Customs Division), and the Ports and Harbours Authority, we have initiated a proactive tracking of all imports of excavators and earth-moving equipment from the point of entry,” he added.

Illegal mining activities continue to pose a major challenge to the country. Several Chinese nationals have been involved in such illegal operations, leading to multiple arrests.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that scientific tests are being carried out on new chemicals that could help restore polluted water bodies and rivers affected by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking at a high-level stakeholder engagement on galamsey in Accra on Friday, October 3, with members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), President Mahama said, "There are new chemicals that have come that allow you to treat water and take out the toxins and the heavy metals. One of them is called dowtine. The people came, and we sent them there. They took samples, tested. We are waiting for them to bring the results back."

He has asked Ghanaians to exercise patience regarding the longstanding battle against illegal mining (galamsey) activities. During a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), President Mahama said declaring a state of emergency will not end the menace.

According to him, government advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining, including technologies that help neutralize or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies.

Additionally, the President pledged to honor the calls of many Ghanaians by declaring a state of emergency when his advisors give him the nod to do so.

President Mahama believes that the country can eradicate the long-term canker if it deploys more troops and invests additional resources in the fight. He concluded that the battle seems to be a long one, but his administration is committed to ending it.

“While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should uptake technology in order to protect the environment. So yes, let’s fight the illegal mining but at the same time, let’s bring the new technology that will help us protect our environment.

“Now with the elephant in the room, state of emergency, yes, I have the power to do it, but the president acts on the advice of the National Security Authority, and as at now, this moment, the National Security Authority believes that we can win the fight against galamsey without declaring a state of emergency. I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, that boss, now we need a state of emergency, I won’t hesitate,” he added.