Accra, Ghana – The Ghana Police Service has escalated its investigation into the violent attack on the Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and his team in Hwidiem, Ahafo Region, by transferring the case to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters for an urgent takeover.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, ordered the directive following the Saturday, November 1, 2025, incident where law enforcement efforts against illegal mining were forcefully obstructed. The Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has been formally invited by the police to assist with the investigation, as he stands accused of inciting the large mob that clashed with security personnel.
The incident was sparked after the NAIMOS team successfully intercepted a group of illegal miners near Bronikrom, arresting suspects and seizing a significant cache of exhibits, including a Smith & Wesson pistol, ammunition, and unregistered vehicles—a Range Rover and a Toyota RAV4.
According to police reports, as the NAIMOS team was processing the suspects for transfer to the Hwidiem Police Station, the local MP allegedly arrived with an entourage, demanding the immediate release of the detainees. Upon the NAIMOS team’s refusal, the accompanying group reportedly forced the removal of the suspects’ handcuffs and chased the anti-galamsey unit from the scene.
The confrontation rapidly escalated into a major public order disturbance when a mob of approximately 600 individuals, purportedly incited by the MP, descended upon the Hwidiem Police Station. The irate crowd demanded the release of the apprehended miners and the seized vehicles, resulting in the vandalization of the NAIMOS Director’s vehicle and substantial damage to parts of the police station, with threats to set the building ablaze.
Order was eventually restored only after the deployment of reinforcement teams from the Ahafo Regional Command and the mediation efforts of the military and the Zongo Chief of Hwidiem. While no injuries were reported, the Zongo Chief’s vehicle sustained damage during the mediation.
The Police Service has issued a strong condemnation of the attack, cautioning the public against any interference with law enforcement duties, and confirmed the launch of a special operation to identify and prosecute all perpetrators involved.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
