The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters to take over investigations into an attack on the Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and his team at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region.

According to a police statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate of the Ghana Police Service, the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Mr Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has been invited to assist with the ongoing investigation, after reports alleged that he incited a mob and obstructed the NAiMOS team during their operation.

Preliminary police investigations revealed that on Saturday, November 1, 2025, the NAiMOS Director and his team intercepted a group of suspected illegal miners operating near Bronikrom in the Ahafo Region.

Several suspects were arrested, and items retrieved included:

One Smith & Wesson pistol

Two pistol magazines

Twenty-one (21) rounds of 9mm ammunition

An unregistered Range Rover

An unregistered Toyota RAV4

Several mobile phones

While the team was preparing to hand over the suspects to the Hwidiem Police Station, the MP allegedly arrived at the scene with a group of men and demanded the release of the arrested individuals.

When his demand was declined, the group reportedly forcibly removed the handcuffs from the suspects and chased the NAiMOS team away.

Subsequently, a mob estimated at around 600 people — allegedly mobilised and incited by the MP — besieged the Hwidiem Police Station, demanding the release of the suspects and the seized vehicles.

The crowd vandalised the Director’s vehicle, damaged parts of the police station, and threatened to set it on fire.

Reinforcement teams from the Ahafo Regional Police Command were swiftly deployed to restore order.

The police were assisted by the military and the Zongo Chief of Hwidiem, who helped mediate and ensure the safe evacuation of the NAiMOS team.

Although the Chief’s vehicle was damaged in the process, no injuries were reported.

The Ghana Police Service has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a dangerous act of interference in lawful operations.

A special operation has been launched to track down and arrest all perpetrators involved in the incident.

The statement, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Grace Ansah-Akrofi, cautioned the public against obstructing security agencies in the discharge of their duties, emphasising that those responsible will face the full rigours of the law.