Galamsey: AG directs EOCO to investigate NDC’s Yamin and Abanga

The Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine has directed the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate Joseph Yamin, the NDC National Organiser and 3rd Vice Chairman Yakubu Abanga, over allegations of their involvement in illegal mining (Galamsey).

The directive also calls for a probe into others found complicit, with specific reference to issues raised in Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s report on illegal mining.

In a letter dated Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Dr. Ayine directs EOCO to invite the two individuals named in recent credible reports for interrogation over their suspected involvement in unauthorised mining operations, commonly referred to as galamsey.

The directive follows rising public concern, intelligence assessments, and extensive media coverage of illegal mining, which continues to threaten Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves, and rural livelihoods.

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

Dr. Ayine also asked EOCO to broaden its probe to cover other persons found complicit, with special attention to issues raised in the Prof. Frimpong-Boateng report on illegal mining.

Additionally, the Attorney-General called for collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, given the agency’s regulatory role, to support and guide the investigative process.

This move aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, which seeks to restore discipline to Ghana’s natural resource governance and eliminate illegal mining across the country.

“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 treat the matter with urgency and seriousness, in line with its mandate under the EOCO Act, 2010 (Act 804).