Hwidiem: IGP directs CID to take over probe into attack on NAIMOS

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has instructed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to assume control of the inquiry into an assault on the Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and his team at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region.

This directive comes in response to a violent occurrence on Saturday, November 1, 2025, when the NAIMOS Director and his team were attacked by a mob after they intercepted illegal miners operating in the vicinity of Bronikrom.

Preliminary investigations by the police indicate that the NAIMOS team apprehended several suspects and seized various items, including a Smith & Wesson pistol, ammunition, two pistol magazines, an unregistered Range Rover, an unregistered Toyota RAV4, and multiple mobile phones.

In a statement released by the police, it was noted that while the team was preparing to transfer the suspects to the Hwidiem Police Station, the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Hon. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, reportedly arrived at the scene with a group and demanded their release.

When this demand was denied, the mob forcibly liberated the suspects and drove the NAIMOS team from the area.

A crowd of approximately 600 individuals, allegedly incited by the MP, subsequently surrounded the Hwidiem Police Station, insisting on the release of the detained miners and vandalising vehicles, including that of the NAIMOS Director. They also inflicted damage on parts of the police station and attempted to set the facility on fire.

Security reinforcements from the Ahafo Regional Command, along with military support, ultimately restored order with the assistance of the Zongo Chief of Hwidiem, who played a role in mediating and ensuring the safe evacuation of the NAIMOS team. The Chief’s vehicle sustained damage during this process, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Meanwhile, the police say the Asutifi North MP has been summoned to assist with ongoing investigations.

Find the full statement below.