A-G Directs EOCO To Probe Top NDC Members Over Galamsey Involvement Allegation
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, has directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate two leading members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over their alleged involvement in illegal mining.
In a letter to EOCO, Ayine said the Vice Chairman of the NDC, Mr. Yakubu Abanga and the National Organiser, Mr. Joseph Yamin, had been fingered for flouting the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995 within mining districts in the country.
“As Your Office is aware, H.E. the President has consistently reiterated his government’s firm commitment to eradicating illegal mining and restoring sanity to the natural resource governance regime in Ghana.
“In line with this national stance, and pursuant to your mandate under the EOCO Act, 2010 (Act 804), I am directing your Office to invite the following persons named in recent credible reports for interrogation, namely, Mr. Yakubu Abanga and Mr. Joseph Yamin.”
He further directed the Office to investigate any other persons found to be complicit in these unlawful mining activities.
He noted, “The scope of this investigation should include the matters highlighted in the Prof. Frimpong Boateng’s report on illegal mining. Furthermore, considering the regulatory oversight role of the Minerals Commission, you may invite the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission to assist in the investigations.”
This directive, he said, is borne out of growing public concern, corroborated by media reports and intelligence, regarding the involvement of some citizens in unauthorised mining operations.
“These activities not only flout our mining regulations but also gravely endanger our water bodies, forest reserves, and local livelihoods.”
In a statement dated July 9, 2025, and signed by Chairman Andrew Abban, the Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana (CSSMAG) alleged that the illegal task force, which has been extorting money and harassing miners, is linked to the two politicians.
Abanga on Tuesday denied the allegations in a press statement.
Source: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
