The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to take over investigations into the violent attack on the Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and his team at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region.
The directive follows a confrontation on Saturday, November 1, 2025, during which the NAIMOS team was reportedly assaulted by a mob after arresting a group of illegal miners near Bronikrom.
Preliminary police reports indicate that several suspects were taken into custody, and a number of items were retrieved, including a Smith & Wesson pistol, live ammunition, two pistol magazines, two unregistered vehicles, a Range Rover and a Toyota RAV4 and several mobile phones.
According to the police, while arrangements were being made to transport the suspects to the Hwidiem Police Station, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi North, Hon. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, allegedly arrived at the scene with a group demanding the immediate release of the suspects. When officers refused, the crowd reportedly overpowered them, freed the detainees, and forced the NAIMOS team to retreat.
Later that day, an estimated 600 people allegedly mobilized by the MP stormed the Hwidiem Police Station, demanding the release of the miners. In the ensuing chaos, vehicles, including that of the NAIMOS Director, were damaged, and sections of the station were vandalized. The mob also attempted to set the facility ablaze.
Calm was eventually restored following the swift intervention of police reinforcements from the Ahafo Regional Command and military personnel. The Zongo Chief of Hwidiem was instrumental in de-escalating the situation and facilitating the safe evacuation of the NAIMOS officials. Although the Chief’s vehicle was damaged in the process, no casualties were reported.
Police authorities have confirmed that the Asutifi North MP has been invited to assist with ongoing investigations into the incident.
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