Yamin, Abanga deny links to illegal galamsey taskforce, urge arrest of impostors
National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Yamin, has strongly denied claims that he is behind the operations of an illegal taskforce group harassing mining communities under the guise of fighting galamsey.
He has also distanced himself from sanctioning any individual or group to act in his name concerning mining activities.
In a firm response to accusations raised by the Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, Mr. Yamin stated, “I would be the last person to sanction the activities of any illegal task force.
“In fact, I have been diligent in reporting illegal acts, including a recent one in the Eastern Region, to the appropriate authorities,” he told the media.
Calls for arrest and prosecution
He called on national security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone using his name to intimidate or extort legitimate miners.
Mr. Yamin further encouraged miners to apprehend anyone impersonating him or claiming his endorsement for unlawful conduct, saying the law must deal with such persons without fear or favour.
Yakubu Abanga’s reaction
Similarly, the 3rd Vice Chairperson of the NDC, Mr. Yakubu Abanga, has firmly denied any involvement in the operations of illegal taskforce groups accused of extorting and harassing small-scale miners.
Mr. Abanga clarified that he is a seasoned miner with several years of experience, currently owning legal mining concessions in the Ashanti and Western Regions of Ghana, as well as sites in Côte d’Ivoire.
He further disclosed that some of his concessions are subject to ongoing legal disputes after being taken away during the Akufo-Addo administration.
Mr. Abanga emphasized his commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining.
He stated that “as a private businessman and licensed miner, I will never condone, support, or participate in any activity that undermines my government’s and the state’s efforts to fight illegal mining.”
Background
The Lands Minister recently launched a coordinated Anti-Galamsey Office to streamline legitimate mining operations and clamp down on illegal parallel groups.
These unauthorized task forces are reported to be extorting money from miners, prompting the Ministry to act swiftly to disband them.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
