The Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has been granted GHC150,000 bail with one surety following his court appearance on Tuesday in connection with an alleged attack on personnel from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) at Hwidiem.
Under the bail conditions, Addo must report to investigators every two weeks and is prohibited from leaving the Greater Accra Region without notifying authorities. He was also cautioned against any conduct that could interfere with the ongoing investigation.
The lawmaker faces provisional charges of assault on a public officer, unlawful damage, and rioting with weapons. The case, being handled by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, has drawn national attention, according to prosecutors led by Chief Inspector Alex Odonkor.
The prosecution expressed concerns that given Addo’s influence, he could potentially interfere with investigations. They cited videos circulating on social media that allegedly show scenes of the incident and warned that he could tamper with witnesses or evidence.
The defense argued that Addo should benefit from the constitutional presumption of innocence, highlighting his family responsibilities including caring for a newborn. The defense team assured the court of his permanent residence in Accra and promised full cooperation with investigators.
The court granted bail under strict conditions and ordered Addo to reappear on December 1, 2025. Other individuals implicated in the alleged attack, including Zakaria Yakubu and one Alex, remain at large.
The incident at Hwidiem involving NAIMOS personnel has sparked controversy as the government intensifies efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has devastated water bodies and forest reserves across Ghana. NAIMOS was established to coordinate and oversee operations aimed at eliminating illegal mining activities that threaten environmental sustainability.
The charges against the MP reflect the serious nature of allegedly interfering with officials performing their lawful duties in the fight against environmental degradation. Assault on a public officer carries significant legal consequences under Ghanaian law, particularly when the officer is engaged in protecting national resources.
The case highlights tensions between some communities and anti-galamsey enforcement teams, with residents sometimes viewing operations as threats to local livelihoods while authorities emphasize the need to protect the environment and water resources for future generations.
Addo’s bail conditions reflect the court’s attempt to balance the presumption of innocence with concerns about potential interference in the investigation. The requirement to report fortnightly and remain within Greater Accra ensures judicial oversight while allowing the MP to attend to personal and professional responsibilities.
The December 1 court date will determine the next steps in the legal proceedings as investigators continue gathering evidence and attempting to locate the other suspects. The prosecution’s reference to social media videos suggests digital evidence may play a role in the case, though the authenticity and context of such footage will likely be scrutinized during proceedings.
Source: newsghana.com.gh
