Asunafo South Member of Parliament, Eric Opoku, has condemned the military’s reaction to the recent attack on members of the NAIMOS taskforce in Hwidiem, describing the follow-up operation as disproportionate and deeply troubling.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Opoku said he supports lawful punishment for anyone who assaults security personnel but insisted that the military’s response “went far beyond what is acceptable in a democracy.”
“I am not happy with the excesses in the Hwidiem incident. I have no problem with people facing the law for attacking soldiers or the NAIMOS taskforce, but to attack the entire community, leading to the death of an innocent person, is unacceptable,” he said.
The military reportedly stormed Hwidiem and neighbouring areas days after the taskforce was attacked, sparking panic among residents. A young man was shot dead during the operation, while several others were allegedly assaulted or forcibly taken from their homes. Many residents fled into nearby bushes to escape the raid.
Mr. Opoku described the events as collective punishment rather than targeted enforcement. “People were beaten mercilessly. Others were picked from their homes. Now an innocent person has been shot and killed. This is not the democracy we want to build,” he lamented.
He urged the Ghana Police Service to take over investigations and ensure due process, stressing that accountability is crucial to restoring public trust. “The excesses of their action must be looked into. The police must follow due processes in this issue. We are following and handling this matter to see the way forward,” the MP added.
Security agencies have yet to release full details surrounding the shooting, while calls grow for a transparent and independent probe into the raid and its aftermath.
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