A photo collage of Joseph Yamin and Yakubu Abanga
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate allegations of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, involving two executives of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In an official directive dated 15th July 2025, the Attorney-General ordered EOCO to initiate a full-scale investigation into the alleged illegal mining activities of Abanga Yakubu Alhassan, Vice Chairman of the NDC and Joseph Yamin, NDC National Organiser.
The directive follows what the Attorney-General described as “growing public concern, corroborated by media reports and intelligence” regarding unauthorized mining operations in several districts across the country.
The Attorney-General further instructed EOCO to extend its investigations to “any other persons found to be complicit in these unlawful mining activities.”
The probe is expected to cover issues raised in Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng’s widely publicized report on illegal mining in Ghana.
Dr Ayine also recommended that EOCO engage the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission to assist in the investigations, citing the Commission’s regulatory oversight role in Ghana’s mining sector.
The Attorney-General emphasised that the directive aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s unwavering commitment to eradicate illegal mining and restore Ghana’s natural resource governance.
“These activities not only flout our mining regulations but also gravely endanger our water bodies, forest reserves, and local livelihoods,” Dr Ayine stated in the letter, urging EOCO to treat the matter with “the urgency and gravity it deserves.”
AM/KA
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