The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to initiate full-scale investigations into allegations of illegal mining involving Joseph Yamin, National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and Yakubu Abanga, the party’s Third National Vice Chairman.
This order follows mounting public concern and credible media reports linking the two political figures to illegal mining operations.
In a letter addressed to the Executive Director of EOCO, Dr. Ayine emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, citing intelligence that suggest the involvement of certain individuals in unauthorized mining, commonly known as galamsey, within various mining districts across the country.
“These activities not only flout our mining regulations but also gravely endanger our water bodies, forest reserves, and local livelihoods”
Dr. Dominic Akuritinga AyineAttorney-General and Minister for Justice
The directive stems from the government’s renewed resolve under President John Dramani Mahama to restore environmental integrity and uphold the rule of law in the country’s extractive sector. Dr. Ayine reminded EOCO of its mandate under the EOCO Act, 2010 (Act 804), and instructed the agency to act with urgency in order to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
EOCO has been mandated not only to interrogate Mr. Yamin and Mr. Abanga but also to investigate “any other persons found to be complicit in these unlawful mining activities.”
The Attorney-General made explicit reference to the contents of the widely cited report by Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, which alleges extensive abuse and complicity in illegal mining activities by politically connected individuals and public officials.
“The scope of this investigation should include the matters highlighted in there,” Dr. Ayine said.
The letter also directed EOCO to consult with the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission during the course of its investigation, noting the Commission’s regulatory oversight responsibility in the mining sector.
Commitment to Environmental Enforcement
Citing President Mahama’s commitment to eradicating galamsey and safeguarding the nation’s natural heritage, Dr. Ayine framed the investigation as a necessary move to reinforce public trust in governance and the enforcement of law.
He noted that this was about “restoring sanity to the natural resource governance regime in Ghana.”
The directive reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining and aimed to send a clear signal that political affiliation will not shield individuals from accountability.
The Attorney-General concluded by urging EOCO to treat the matter “with the urgency and gravity it deserves” to preserve the credibility of Ghana’s extractive governance framework.
The statement affirmed the government’s intent to pursue a thorough and impartial probe, signaling the seriousness with which authorities are approaching the galamsey issue.
With this development, EOCO is expected to commence formal invitations and interrogations of the individuals mentioned in the directive, alongside others who may emerge in the course of the investigation.
The involvement of the Minerals Commission is also anticipated to shed light on possible regulatory lapses or complicity by oversight institutions.
This investigation comes at a time of heightened public scrutiny over illegal mining and its impact on the country’s water bodies and farmlands.
The nation watches closely as EOCO undertakes what may become a defining case in the broader fight against environmental degradation and impunity in Ghana’s mining sector.
Given that the persons under investigation belong to the ruling NDC government, this is a test of party will and integrity and it remains to be seen how true the government’s commitment to fight illegal mining is.
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