Tuesday, 04 November

Asutifi North MP denies inciting violence in clash between residents and NAIMOS taskforce

Politics
Ebenezer Kwaku Addo

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi North Constituency in the Ahafo Region, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has denied allegations linking him to a violent confrontation between some residents of Asutifi South and members of a military taskforce deployed on a national assignment.

In a statement issued by his office, Mr. Addo clarified that the incident occurred on November 1, 2025, while he was travelling to Acherensua in the Asutifi South Constituency.

He explained that he had reached out to the MP for Asutifi South, Mr Collins Dauda, to accompany him, but was informed that Mr. Dauda was out of the country.

According to Mr. Addo, upon arriving in Hwidiem, he noticed heightened tension in the town and was informed that a military operation was underway at a gold extraction site.

He subsequently contacted Hon. Dauda to brief him on the situation, after which he was advised to visit the scene and engage with the task force to ascertain the facts, since an Assemblymember previously sent there had been unable to speak with the officers.

Mr. Addo said he visited the site in the company of the constituency Vice Chairman and his driver.

Upon arrival, he introduced himself to the leader of the task force and attempted to facilitate communication between the officers and Hon. Dauda via phone.

He noted that while at the scene, several youth were present, and others were beginning to gather.

The MP stated that he advised the group to visit the police station to make an official report and hand over any seized items or suspects to the authorities to help calm the situation.

However, upon reaching the police station, he observed that the main road had been blocked, obstructing vehicular movement.

Together with the military, the regional crime officer, operatives from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and the Kenyasi Police Commander, Mr. Addo remained at the station while statements were taken.

He further noted that he contacted the Zongo Chief of Hwidiem to assist in restoring calm, and the chief responded promptly.

After the handover process, the Zongo Chief volunteered to transport the military personnel in his Toyota Sequoia since their vehicle had been tampered with.

Unfortunately, the vehicle was later attacked, leaving its rear window smashed.

Mr. Addo said he had already departed the area to attend funerals in Ntoroso, Gyedu, and Wamahinso at the time of the attack.

He emphasised that at no point did he incite the youth against the security officers or any government operation, describing himself as a responsible lawmaker committed to maintaining peace and order.

“Under no circumstances will I incite the youth against security officers or any government agenda.

I have always supported efforts to ensure calmness and stability in our area,” the statement read.

The MP also expressed disappointment that the police failed to acknowledge his role in helping to de-escalate the situation and called on the public to disregard “false narratives” aimed at tarnishing his image.

 

Mr. Addo reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the welfare and safety of his constituents and pledged continued cooperation with security agencies to maintain law and order.

Source: Classfmonline.com/ Gifty Favour Boateng