Asutifi North MP refutes claims of inciting youth during Hwidiem incident

The Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, has refuted claims that he incited young people against security personnel during a confrontation at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region, insisting that “as a responsible lawmaker”, his actions were aimed at restoring calm and ensuring due process.

In the statement signed by the MP on Monday, November 3, Mr Addo described the allegations as false and misleading, explaining that his involvement was to de-escalate tensions and assist the security team, not to obstruct their work.

He explained that the incident occurred on November 1 while he was travelling to a funeral in Acherensua, Asutifi South.

According to him, he had earlier contacted the MP for Asutifi South, Collins Dauda, to travel together, 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 stated.

Upon arriving in Hwidiem, the MP said he noticed growing tension in the town and later learnt that a military operation was ongoing at a local gold extraction site.

“I quickly called back Hon. Dauda to inform him of the development,” he recounted.

He said Mr Dauda asked him to visit the site to enable communication with the military team, after an assembly member who had earlier gone there was not spoken to.

“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,” the MP said.

Mr. Addo noted that upon arrival, some youth had gathered at the site while others were massing up, prompting him to advise that they proceed to the police station to officially make a statement.

“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.

He added that upon reaching the police station, they realised the main road had been blocked, preventing vehicular movement.

“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,” he stated.

The MP further recounted that he called on the Zongo Chief of Hwidiem to help calm the situation.

After the handover of items to the Regional Crime Officer, the Zongo Chief volunteered to convey the military officers in his Toyota Sequoia because their pickup 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 by then left to attend other funerals in neighbouring communities.

Mr. Addo stressed that he never acted to undermine security operations.

“I wish to state that under no circumstance will I incite the youth against security officers and any government-planned agenda,” he said.

He also expressed disappointment that the police’s situational report failed to capture his efforts to restore calm.

“It is quite unfortunate that the police in their sitrep failed to acknowledge my contribution towards ensuring that calmness prevail,” he lamented.

Calling on the public to ignore what he called false narratives, Mr. Addo urged residents not to allow misinformation to damage his reputation.

“I urge the public to disregard the false narratives aimed at tarnishing my reputation and undermining my efforts to serve my constituents,” he stated.

He reaffirmed his commitment to his constituents and the security of all citizens.

“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.

Read the statement below:

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