President John Mahama has ordered the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate senior opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) officials Joseph Yammin and Yakubu Abanga for allegedly operating an illegal anti-galamsey taskforce.
The directive, issued via a July 13 Attorney-General letter, follows mining sector accusations of extortion and intimidation against the officials.
According to the AG’s office, EOCO will probe alleged violations of Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act (Act 703), focusing on media reports detailing the taskforce’s activities.
The Minerals Commission CEO has been instructed to provide evidence and operational records to investigators. The move comes days after mining groups accused Yammin (NDC National Organiser) and Abanga (NDC 3rd Vice Chairperson) of harassing legitimate operators under the guise of enforcement.
Both officials deny wrongdoing. Yammin acknowledged mining-sector associations but denied illegal involvement. Abanga confirmed licensed operations in Offinso, Ahafo Ano, and Côte d’Ivoire, asserting full compliance with Minerals Commission regulations.
In a related development, President Mahama reiterated his July 15 declaration of illegal mining as a “national emergency,” citing environmental devastation in Western North communities including Awaso and Sefwi-Anhwiaso.
Speaking during his ‘Thank You Tour,’ he warned, “I have requested authorities to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in illegal anti-galamsey activities,” referencing rogue groups extorting miners.
NKONKONSA.com
