Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Adomako-Mensah, has advised his colleague, the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, to refrain from making public comments while his case is before the court.
The advice comes after a clash in Hwidiem, Ahafo Region on Saturday, November 1, between members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force and local residents.
The Asutifi North MP, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has been cited in reports by the police and other sources as a key figure in the incident.
Mr. Addo, however, denied the allegations in a statement issued on November 3, explaining that the incident occurred while he was travelling to a funeral in Acherensua, Asutifi South.
According to him, upon arriving in Hwidiem, he noticed growing tension in the town and was later informed that a military operation was underway at a local gold extraction site.
“I quickly called back Hon. Dauda to inform him of the development,” he said.
He added that the Asutifi South MP, Collins Dauda asked him to visit the site to help facilitate communication with the military team after an assembly member who had earlier gone there was not engaged.
“I wish to state that under no circumstance will I incite the youth against security officers and any government-planned agenda,” he stated.
Ebenezer Kwaku Addo reported to the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, November 4.
After questioning, he was formally charged with offenses related to the disturbance, including assault on a public officer, unlawful damage, and rioting with weapons.
He was then arraigned and granted GH₵150,000 bail with strict conditions, including travel restrictions and regular check-ins with the police.
Speaking on Metro TV and monitored by Newsdesksgh.com. on November 5, Afigya Kwabre North MP Collins Adomako-Mensah said he would not comment extensively but urged his colleague to remain focused on the legal process.
“He’s my colleague. His case lies in court. I think he should just concentrate on the court case,” he said.
He cautioned the Asutifi North MP against making further public remarks about the matter.
“He shouldn’t be making comments. I just think that he should just keep calm.”
Mr. Adomako-Mensah also questioned parts of the MP’s explanation regarding his route and movements on the day of the incident.
“I know the area. First of all, you can’t move from Kenyasi to Acherensua and go through Bronikrom,” he noted.
Referring to journalist Erastus Asare Donkor’s report, he said the MP’s presence at the scene may have emboldened the crowd.
“Read Erastus Donkor’s report, the MP was insisting that the people who had been handcuffed, the handcuffs should be taken off.”
He emphasised that his advice was simply to ensure the good of the Asutifi North MP.
“My brother is my colleague in Parliament. His case is now in court. My wish and my advice to him is that he should concentrate on the court case.”
“The Speaker has now released him. He went to court yesterday. He’s been granted bail. He should concentrate on that,” he added.
He said moving forward, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo should refrain from making public statements that could cause any trouble for him in the legal process.
“He should go and say it in court. He shouldn’t stay conflicting himself with a lot of issues. Please. That is my advice to him as a brother,” he stressed.
The case has been adjourned to December 1, 2025.
