The Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has denied claims that he incited residents against a military taskforce deployed to the Asutifi South District, following reports of disturbances at a gold mining site in Hwidiem.
In a press statement dated November 3, 2025, the MP described the allegations as “false narratives aimed at tarnishing my reputation,” insisting that his actions at the scene were geared towards restoring calm, not confrontation.
Mr Addo explained that he had been en route to a funeral at Acherensua in the neighbouring Asutifi South Constituency when he noticed tension in Hwidiem. Upon inquiry, he learnt that a National Assignment Military Operations Squad (NAIMOS) had been deployed to a gold extraction site in the area.
He said he immediately contacted Hon. Collins Dauda, MP for Asutifi South, who was outside the country at the time. According to Mr Addo, Mr Dauda asked him to visit the site to engage the taskforce on his behalf.
“Upon reaching the site with my constituency vice chairman and driver, I introduced myself to the leader and asked that he speak with Hon. Dauda on the phone,” the Asutifi North MP stated.
He recounted that some youth had gathered near the scene, prompting him to advise that the group move to the police station to make an official report and hand over any seized items to the authorities in order to de-escalate tensions.
At the Hwidiem Police Station, Mr Addo said he remained with officers of the Ghana Police Service, National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and NAIMOS while statements were taken. He also called in the local Zongo Chief to help calm the situation.
According to the MP, the Zongo Chief later volunteered to transport some of the military officers in his vehicle after the task force’s pickup truck had been tampered with, but the vehicle’s rear glass was smashed by unknown individuals.
Mr Addo noted that he left the scene afterwards to attend other funeral events in nearby communities and later learnt that the police situation report had not acknowledged his efforts to restore peace.
“Under no circumstance will I incite the youth against security officers or any government-planned agenda,” he stressed. “As a responsible lawmaker, I offered my support to ensure calmness in the area and will always work with security agencies to maintain law and order.”
The MP appealed to the public to disregard reports suggesting he played any role in the disturbances, reaffirming his commitment to the welfare and safety of citizens as well as collaboration with state institutions.
