The Member of Parliament representing Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has been prohibited by the court from departing the Greater Accra Region without prior notification to investigators as part of his bail stipulations.
This order results from his alleged involvement in the Hwidiem galamsey conflict, for which he faces preliminary charges of assaulting a public officer, causing unlawful damage, and rioting with weapons.
Ebenezer Kwaku Addo appeared before the court on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, where he was granted bail set at GH¢150,000. He is required to report to investigators every two weeks until the order is lifted or the trial begins.
The court further warned him against any actions that could hinder the ongoing investigation.
According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Alex Odonkor, the case has gained national significance and is now under the jurisdiction of the CID Headquarters.
The prosecution contended that the MP’s influence might disrupt the investigation, referencing videos circulating on social media that allegedly depict scenes from the incident. They also raised concerns regarding the possibility of him tampering with witnesses or evidence.
Conversely, the defense team contested the prosecution’s request for remand, asserting that the accused is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence.
They highlighted his familial obligations, including the care of a newborn, and assured the court of his permanent residence in Accra, affirming that he would fully cooperate with investigators.
The court granted bail under stringent conditions and scheduled Mr. Addo to reappear on December 1, 2025. Other individuals accused, including Zakaria Yakubu, one Alex, and others, remain at large.
Background
The charges against the legislator stem from an alleged obstruction of an anti-illegal mining operation conducted by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) near Bronikrom–Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region.
The event that took place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, allegedly involved a clash between a group of young individuals and a NAIMOS task force during a raid on illegal mining operations. Mr. Addo faces accusations of inciting the assault on the task force, a claim he has vehemently refuted.
In his statement, the Asutifi North MP clarified that his presence at the location was not intended to hinder the operation but rather to alleviate tensions and uphold public order.
