NAIMOS Attack: Asutifi North MP is being prosecuted – Mahama Ayariga

The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has informed Parliament that the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has been interrogated by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and subsequently arraigned in court.

This follows his alleged involvement in an attack on the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

Addressing the House on Tuesday, November 4, Mr. Ayariga explained that law enforcement authorities were investigating whether a crime had indeed been committed and whether the legislator bore any responsibility.

“You all heard in the media that there was an attack on NAIMOS in Asutifi North, and I later got some indication that a member on this side of the House is alleged to have instigated some community members to resist the work of the task force. Mr Speaker, let me indicate that yesterday I got a call from the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka, that the IGP needed the member for interrogation. I invited the member, he came to my office, and I tried to reach Muntaka, but I couldn’t reach him, so ultimately I asked the member to go. If I reach Muntaka, I will call him back,” Mr. Ayariga said.

He added that arrangements were made for the MP to appear before the CID the following morning, accompanied by the Majority Chief Whip and his lawyer. “They received him at the CID headquarters, took him through the processes. I received a call not quite long ago that he had been taken to court. As we speak, he is in court being arraigned,” the Majority Leader disclosed.

The Asutifi North MP, however, denied the allegations, insisting he never incited the youth against the NAIMOS team. In a statement, he stressed that he only sought to maintain peace and order during the disturbance.

“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,” he said.

Police reports indicate that the incident occurred on November 1, 2025, when the NAIMOS team intercepted illegal miners at Bronikrom in the Ahafo Region. The situation reportedly escalated when a mob allegedly led by the MP confronted the team, resulting in the vandalism of vehicles and property at the Hwidiem Police Station.

Calm was later restored through the intervention of security agencies and local leaders.