AG orders EOCO to probe NDC gurus over galamsey allegations

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to launch a full-scale investigation into alleged illegal mining activities involving Joseph Yamin, the ruling NDC’s National Organiser, and Yakubu Abanga, National Vice Chairman.

In a letter dated Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the Attorney-General instructed EOCO to invite the two individuals named in recent 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).