The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has instructed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to initiate a thorough investigation into allegations of illegal mining involving Joseph Yamin, the National Organiser of the ruling NDC, and Yakubu Abanga, the National Vice Chairman.
In a letter dated July 15, 2025, Dr. Ayine directed EOCO to summon the two individuals identified in recent allegations for questioning regarding their suspected roles in unauthorised mining operations, commonly known as galamsey.
This directive comes in response to growing public concern, intelligence reports, and extensive media attention surrounding illegal mining, which poses significant threats to Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves, and the livelihoods of rural communities.
“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 has also requested that EOCO expand its investigation to include others who may be involved, paying particular attention to the findings presented in the Prof. Frimpong-Boateng report on illegal mining.
Moreover, the Attorney-General has encouraged cooperation with the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission to leverage the agency’s regulatory expertise to facilitate the investigative process.
The Attorney-General urged EOCO to approach the matter with the urgency and seriousness it demands, in accordance with its responsibilities under the EOCO Act, 2010 (Act 804).
Find the full statement below.
