The Circuit Court in Accra has issued a stern caution to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, ordering him to refrain from any conduct that could impede ongoing police investigations into illegal mining related disturbances at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region.
The court, presided over by Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah, on Monday granted the lawmaker bail in the sum of GH¢150,000 with one surety to be justified.
The MP for Asutifi North is also barred from leaving the Greater Accra Region without notifying the case investigator and must report to the investigator every two weeks until trial commences or the order is reviewed.
“The accused is cautioned to desist from any behaviour likely to frustrate investigations,” the judge warned and adjourned the case to December 1, 2025.
Prosecution objects to bail
Prosecutors had urged the court to remand the MP, arguing that the matter had assumed national interest and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) had taken over the case.
The prosecution maintained that, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, described as influential, could interfere with witnesses, citing widely circulated videos purportedly showing how the incident unfolded. They insisted remand was necessary to safeguard the investigation.
“The accused is influential and capable of interfering with witnesses and evidence,” the prosecutor said.
Lawyers for the legislator opposed the remand request, telling the court that the MP had voluntarily submitted himself to police.
They reminded the court that the MP is a sitting legislator with a fixed place of abode and responsibilities, including a family with a newborn baby. “He has nowhere to abscond to,” counsel argued.
They further stressed the constitutional presumption of innocence, stating that the prosecution had not demonstrated any credible basis to deny bail.
After hearing both sides, the court declined the prosecution’s plea for remand, noting that proper arraignment was yet to be completed and the accused’s plea had not been taken.
Offences and facts
Although the charges were not formally read in court, documents filed by prosecutors indicate that the MP and accomplices – two of whom are reportedly at large – face multiple counts including: conspiracy to assault a public officer, assault on a public officer, conspiracy to cause unlawful damage, causing unlawful damage and rioting with weapons.
According to the brief facts, military personnel with the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) were returning from a reconnaissance mission when they allegedly encountered illegal miners near Hwidiem.
Two suspects were arrested, but the MP allegedly arrived at the scene with a group of armed individuals and forcibly freed the suspects and later led a crowd estimated at over 600 to the Hwidiem Police Station.
The mob reportedly vandalised two vehicles belonging to NAIMOS and the Zongo Chief, demanded the release of seized exhibits including a pistol, ammunition and vehicles, and sought to “discipline” the security officers.
Ebenezer Kwaku Addo was later arrested after reportedly honouring a police invitation.Police say efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects.
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