Investigate Abanga, Yamin over alleged galamsey activities – AG directs EOCO

 The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to launch a full-scale investigation into alleged illegal mining operations involving Joseph Yamin, the National Organiser of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), and Yakubu Abanga, the Party’s National Vice Chairman.

The directive, issued in a letter dated Tuesday, July 15, follows intelligence assessments, heightened public concern, and widespread media coverage of illegal mining—popularly known as galamsey—which continues to devastate Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves, and rural communities.

“These activities not only flout our mining regulations but also gravely endanger our water bodies, forest reserves, and local livelihoods,” Dr. Ayine emphasized in the letter.

The Attorney-General instructed EOCO to invite both party officials for interrogation and to broaden its probe to cover any other individuals found complicit, with particular reference to issues raised in the Prof. Frimpong-Boateng Report on illegal mining.

To ensure a comprehensive investigation, Dr. Ayine also requested EOCO to collaborate closely with the CEO of the Minerals Commission, given the Commission’s regulatory oversight role in Ghana’s mining sector.

This latest move aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, which prioritises the eradication of illegal mining and the restoration of discipline and transparency in the governance of Ghana’s natural resources.

“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,” the Attorney-General stated.

EOCO has been urged to act with urgency and seriousness, in accordance with its mandate under the EOCO Act, 2010 (Act 804).

Illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental and governance challenges. Recent reports have linked politically exposed persons to unregulated mining activities, raising questions about accountability and enforcement.