Charles McCarthy, editor of The Hawk Newspaper, has criticized Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin for what he calls the “hasty manner” in which Parliament allowed the prosecution of Asutifi North MP Ebenezer Kwaku Addo over his alleged involvement in the Hwidiem galamsey clash.
The MP faces provisional charges of assault on a public officer, unlawful damage, and rioting with weapons following a violent confrontation between youths and a NAIMOS task force during an anti-illegal mining operation on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
Addo, who has denied all allegations, was arraigned on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, and granted bail of GH¢150,000. He has also been instructed to report to investigators every two weeks until his trial begins and warned against any actions that could obstruct the ongoing investigation.
Speaking on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ morning show, McCarthy questioned the speed and handling of the matter by Parliament, suggesting that the MP may be being made a scapegoat.
“It’s not anyone’s wish for our security operatives to be attacked, but we’re not asking the right questions,” McCarthy said. “Did the people have a permit or not? What made that site illegal? Were they mining in water bodies or forest reserves? Is the MP being sacrificed because he is a first-timer?”
He expressed concern over how quickly Speaker Bagbin and the Majority Leader approved the MP’s release, arguing that there was insufficient internal scrutiny.
“I am shocked at the speed at which the Speaker gave the MP up. I am equally shocked at how fast the Majority Leader approved for him to be taken away. You don’t behave like that. Internally, what did Parliament do about the situation? Did they investigate? Did they speak to him?” he questioned.
McCarthy also highlighted what he sees as inconsistency and bias in the handling of similar cases. “Why is only the MP being rushed to court? What happened to the rest? The speed at which we’re prosecuting this matter is worrying. Could the investigation have been that swift? Why are we being this wicked?” he asked.
