Asutifi North MP Granted GH¢150,000 Bail After Alleged Attack on Anti-Galamsey Team
Accra, Ghana — The Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kweku Addo, who allegedly incited a mob to attack the Director of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Colonel Dominic Buah, and his team at Ahafo Hwediem, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court. The MP has been charged with multiple counts, including conspiracy to assault a public officer, assault on a public officer, conspiracy to cause unlawful damage, causing unlawful damage and rioting with weapons.
The court did not take the MP’s plea following a prosecution request to preserve it pending further investigations. He was, however, granted bail in the sum of GH¢150,000, with one surety to be justified. Two alleged accomplices identified as Zakaria Yakubu and Alex, are said to be at large.
The incident occurred on Saturday, November 1, 2025, when a group reportedly linked to the MP clashed with NAIMOS officers during an anti-galamsey operation. The mob allegedly attacked Colonel Buah and his team, resulting in property damage and endangering the lives of public officials and military personnel on duty.
Confirming the development on the floor of Parliament, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga said the MP appeared at the CID Headquarters in the company of the Majority Chief Whip and his lawyer before being formally charged and taken to court.
“This morning, he went with our Majority Chief Whip and his lawyer. They received him at the CID Headquarters, took him through the process, and I can confirm that he is currently in court being arraigned,” Yiga told the House. “As Members of Parliament, we do not consider ourselves above the law. We are always ready to be held accountable for our actions and inactions.”
Reacting to the arrest, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin urged Parliament to avoid politicizing the issue of illegal mining. “Mr Speaker, can we as political leaders, for once, agree to stay the partisan approach on this matter? Let our citizens see that this is a national issue affecting our land, our water, and our livelihoods,” he said.
He emphasised the need for a united front in tackling illegal mining, which continues to threaten Ghana’s environment and rural livelihoods.
In a formal statement to Parliament, Speaker Alban Bagbin condemned the reported attack on security personnel involved in the anti-galamsey operation and pledged the full cooperation of Parliament with the ongoing investigation. “I want to condemn, in no uncertain terms, the attack on the security team assigned to deal with galamsey. Nobody has denied the attack, and we must all condemn it,” Bagbin said.
“Please let it not be said anywhere that Members of Parliament are being shielded from the rule of law — not at all.”
The Speaker also reaffirmed the House’s support for law enforcement in ensuring accountability while safeguarding due process.
Ghana’s illegal-mining (galamsey) crisis has triggered frequent confrontations between task forces and local actors, including political figures. The latest incident renews concerns about political interference in environmental enforcement efforts.
Officials say the Police CID is continuing its investigation, and the accused MP is expected to reappear before court later this month.
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