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Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to initiate a comprehensive investigation into allegations of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, involving two high-profile members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The individuals named are Joseph Yamin, the NDC’s National Organiser, and Yakubu Abanga, the party’s National Vice Chairman. The directive, dated Tuesday, July 15, 2025, mandates EOCO to invite both individuals for questioning over suspected involvement in unauthorised mining operations.
The move follows growing public concern, intelligence reports, and media investigations pointing to the continued degradation of Ghana’s environment due to illegal mining activities. In the letter, Dr. Ayine emphasized that such operations pose a direct threat to the country’s natural resources.
“These activities not only flout our mining regulations but also gravely endanger our water bodies, forest reserves, and local livelihoods,” the Attorney-General stated.
Dr. Ayine further instructed EOCO to widen the scope of its investigation to include other individuals potentially implicated, referencing the widely discussed Prof. Frimpong-Boateng report on illegal mining.
To ensure thoroughness and credibility, the Attorney-General advised EOCO to collaborate closely with the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, leveraging the agency’s regulatory mandate to assist in the investigation.
This directive aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s “Reset Agenda,” which prioritizes the restoration of integrity and accountability 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,” Dr. Ayine added.
EOCO has been urged to treat the matter with urgency in accordance with its mandate under the Economic and Organised Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804).
