A-G Orders EOCO probe into alleged Galamsey ties of NDC executives

Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has ordered the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to launch a thorough investigation into alleged illegal mining operations linked to two top officials of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

In a directive dated July 15, 2025, Dr. Ayine instructed EOCO to invite Joseph Yamin, the party’s National Organiser, and Yakubu Abanga, National Vice Chairman, for questioning over their alleged involvement in unauthorised mining activities, widely known as galamsey.

The directive follows mounting public concern, damning media exposés, and intelligence findings that point to the continued degradation of Ghana’s natural resources through illegal mining.

“These acts not only violate our mining laws but also pose a direct threat to water bodies, forests, and the livelihoods of rural communities,” the Attorney-General emphasized in his letter.

Dr. Ayine further instructed EOCO to widen the scope of the investigation to include any other individuals found to be complicit, particularly with reference to claims made in the Prof. Frimpong-Boateng report on galamsey.

He also called for close collaboration with the Minerals Commission, the state body responsible for regulating mining in Ghana, to ensure a credible and well-informed probe.

This directive, the Attorney-General noted, aligns with President John Mahama’s Reset Agenda, a national policy drive aimed at restoring order and sustainability in the management of Ghana’s natural resources.

“The President has made it clear that this government will not compromise on the fight against illegal mining,” Dr. Ayine stated.

EOCO has been tasked to treat the matter as urgent and execute its mandate under the EOCO Act, 2010 (Act 804) with full commitment.