Bureau of Public Safety demands arrest of Asutifi North MP over alleged attack on anti-galamsey task force

The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has urged prompt legal action against the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, together with all individuals alleged to have been involved in a violent confrontation with officials of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) at Bronikrom, near Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region.

On Saturday, November 1, a tense stand-off erupted at the police station after the military-led anti-galamsey team of NAIMOS came under siege from a large crowd demanding the release of seized vehicles and suspects.

In a statement released on Monday, November 3, 2025, the BPS criticised the assault on the NAIMOS Director of Operations and his team, describing it as a deliberate attempt to obstruct law enforcement officers engaged in a lawful anti-galamsey exercise.

The Bureau alleged that the MP led a group that attacked the task force, resulting in the destruction of property and placing public officials and military personnel at risk.

The BPS called for the immediate arrest and interrogation of Mr. Addo and all persons implicated in the incident.

It further urged the Ghana Police Service, supported by the Ghana Armed Forces, to conduct a full investigation into the incident, including the MP’s alleged involvement and the handling of the matter by officers at the Hwidiem Police Station.

The Bureau also requested safeguards for NAIMOS officers, soldiers and witnesses, stressing the importance of ensuring their security throughout the investigative process.

It encouraged Parliament to institute an inquiry to determine whether disciplinary or criminal action should be taken should the MP be found to have interfered with security operations.

Additionally, the Bureau appealed for strengthened operational security measures for all anti-illegal mining task forces across the country.

The BPS reiterated that no public office-holder enjoys immunity from the law and warned that attacks on state authorities undermine national security, embolden criminal operations and threaten the country’s efforts to combat illegal mining, a practice that continues to devastate natural resources and local livelihoods.

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