The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate two senior National Democratic Congress (NDC) executives—National Organizer Joseph Yamin and third National Vice Chairman Yakubu Abanga—over allegations of involvement in illegal mining activities.
In a letter dated Tuesday, July 15, Dr. Ayine cited credible intelligence and growing public concern about the two executives’ possible links to unauthorised mining operations.
The directive follows recent accusations from the Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, which alleged that Yamin and Abanga, in collaboration with some national security operatives, were backing a rogue anti-galamsey task force terrorising legitimate small-scale miners.
According to the A-G’s letter, the investigation must also cover findings contained in the report authored by former Environment Minister, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, which implicated several individuals in illegal mining networks.
“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,” Dr. Ayine stated.
He added that EOCO should investigate “any other persons found to be complicit in these unlawful activities” and collaborate with the Minerals Commission to aid the process, given the Commission’s regulatory mandate.
The Attorney-General emphasized that illegal mining continues to pose grave threats to the country’s environment, particularly forest reserves, rivers, and livelihoods.
This move is seen as a major test of President John Dramani Mahama’s renewed anti-corruption and natural resource protection drive, under his “Reset Agenda.” It also marks the first high-profile probe of ruling party officials since his return to power.
Dr. Ayine urged EOCO to handle the matter with urgency and integrity to safeguard Ghana’s extractive sector.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
