A political storm is brewing following the Attorney-General’s directive for a full investigation into alleged illegal mining activities involving two top officials of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), as calls mount for accountability in Ghana’s fight against galamsey.
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has been tasked to invite NDC Vice Chairman Yakubu Abanga Alhassan and National Organiser Joseph Yamin for questioning, after intelligence reports and public outcry flagged their alleged involvement in illicit mining operations that continue to degrade the environment, including forests and key water bodies.
In a letter dated July 15, 2025, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, instructed EOCO to collaborate with the Minerals Commission and expand its inquiry to include individuals cited in previous documents — notably the Prof. Frimpong-Boateng report on illegal mining.
Reacting swiftly to the development, Mr. Abanga dismissed the allegations as “baseless, malicious and calculated,” stressing that he has never participated in illegal mining nor led any taskforce extorting money from miners.
“I want to be clear: I have never, at any time, engaged in galamsey,” Abanga said in an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Wednesday, July 16. “These claims are a direct attack on my integrity, but I remain unfazed and willing to cooperate fully with EOCO to clear my name.”
The unfolding investigation places the NDC under fresh scrutiny as the country heads toward the 2026 elections, with environmental groups and anti-corruption campaigners urging swift and transparent action.
The Attorney-General’s directive has been welcomed by civil society organisations, who view it as a litmus test for Ghana’s willingness to hold public figures accountable in the fight against environmental destruction.
Neither Mr. Yamin nor his representatives have issued an official response as of press time. Meanwhile, EOCO is expected to begin inviting individuals for questioning in the coming days.
