Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, has pushed back against accusations that he stirred up unrest among local youth during a tense encounter involving security forces in Hwidiem, Ahafo Region. He insists he acted as “a responsible lawmaker” with the sole purpose of restoring order and ensuring legal procedures were followed.
In a Monday, November 3 statement, Mr Addo dismissed the claims as “false and misleading,” emphasizing that he intervened to support the security detail, not impede them. The MP recounted that the incident took place on November 1 while he was en route to a funeral in Acherensua, within the Asutifi South constituency.
He explained he had attempted to travel to the event with Asutifi South MP Collins Dauda, but was informed that Mr Dauda was out of the country. “Hon. Dauda indicated that he is currently not in the country so I could represent him,” Mr Addo noted.
Upon reaching Hwidiem, Mr Addo said he detected rising tension in the area and soon learned of a military-led operation underway at a gold extraction site. “I quickly called back Hon. Dauda to inform him of the development,” he recounted. Mr Dauda then encouraged him to head to the scene since a local assembly member had earlier been denied engagement.
The MP said he proceeded to the site with his constituency Vice Chairman and driver. “Upon reaching the site with my constituency Vice Chairman and driver, I introduced myself to the leader and asked that he speak to the person on the phone,” Mr Addo explained.
As more young people gathered around the location, Mr Addo said he advised the group to shift their focus toward lawful action by filing an official report. “The only advice I could give was for us to move to the police station to officially make a statement and subsequently hand over items and suspects to the police to calm tensions,” he explained.
However, when the group arrived at the police station, they discovered the main road had been blocked. “Together with the Military, Regional Police Crime Officer, NIB operatives, and the Kenyasi Police Commander, we all remained in the police charge office while statements were being taken,” Mr Addo stated.
Recognizing the growing tension, he reached out to the Zongo Chief of Hwidiem for support in pacifying the crowd. After official handovers were concluded, the Zongo Chief offered his Toyota Sequoia to transport military personnel because their truck had been tampered with. “The Toyota vehicle of the Zongo Chief had its glasses smashed at the back,” Mr Addo revealed, adding that he had already left to attend other funerals in nearby towns.
Firmly denying allegations that he attempted to disrupt the security exercise, he stated, “I wish to state that under no circumstance will I incite the youth against security officers and any government-planned agenda.”
Mr Addo also expressed disappointment that his efforts to ease unrest were not reflected in the police report. “It is quite unfortunate that the police in their sitrep failed to acknowledge my contribution towards ensuring that calmness prevail,” he lamented.
Describing the allegations as deliberate misinformation, he urged the public to remain vigilant. “I urge the public to disregard the false narratives aimed at tarnishing my reputation and undermining my efforts to serve my constituents,” he stated.
The MP concluded by reiterating his dedication to public safety and community service. “As your Member of Parliament, I want to assure you that I remain committed to the welfare and safety of the Ghanaian citizens and other State Institutions,” Mr Addo said.
