Court restricts Asutifi North MP’s movement over galamsey clash probe
An Accra Circuit Court on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, ordered the legislator not to leave the Greater Accra Region without notifying investigators.
The Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has been placed under strict bail conditions following his alleged involvement in a violent confrontation linked to illegal mining operations at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region.
An Accra Circuit Court on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, ordered the legislator not to leave the Greater Accra Region without notifying investigators. He has been charged provisionally with assault on a public officer, unlawful damage, and rioting with weapons.
Mr Addo, who pleaded not guilty, was granted GH¢150,000 bail and must report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) every two weeks until further notice or the commencement of trial.
The court also warned him against any conduct that could hinder investigations, underscoring the sensitivity and national significance of the case.
The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Alex Odonkor, argued that the case has taken on a national dimension and is now being handled by the CID Headquarters.
Prosecutors raised concerns that the MP’s political influence could interfere with the investigation, citing videos circulating online that appear to show moments from the alleged clash. They also expressed fears that he might tamper with witnesses or evidence.
Lawyers for Mr Addo opposed a remand request, maintaining that their client was entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence.
They highlighted his family responsibilities, including caring for a newborn baby, and assured the court that he had a permanent residence in Accra and would fully cooperate with investigators.
The court agreed but imposed strict bail conditions, ordering him to reappear on December 1, 2025. Other suspects, including Zakaria Yakubu and one Alex, remain at large.
The charges stem from a November 1, 2025, altercation near Bronikrom–Hwidiem, where a National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force was conducting a raid on illegal mining sites.
Authorities allege that Mr Addo incited local youth to obstruct the anti-galamsey team.
However, the MP insists his involvement was purely conciliatory, claiming he was attempting to calm tensions and prevent violence between the youth and the task force.
The case, observers say, will be a litmus test for Ghana’s resolve to hold public officials accountable in the fight against illegal mining.
