Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to initiate a full-scale investigation into alleged illegal mining activities involving two top executives of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The directive targets Joseph Yamin, National Organiser of the NDC, and Yakubu Abanga, the party’s Third Vice Chairman. In an official letter dated Tuesday, July 15, Dr. Ayine instructed EOCO to summon the two individuals for questioning following credible reports linking them to unauthorised mining operations, locally known as *galamsey*.
The move comes amid mounting public pressure, intelligence findings, and increasing media scrutiny surrounding the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining in Ghana. According to the Attorney-General, the alleged activities “not only flout our mining regulations but also gravely endanger our water bodies, forest reserves, and local livelihoods.”
Dr. Ayine has also tasked EOCO with expanding its investigations to include any other persons found to be involved in similar operations. He made specific reference to the Prof. Frimpong-Boateng report, urging EOCO to consider its findings as part of a broader crackdown on illegal mining networks.
In addition, EOCO has been asked to collaborate closely with the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission to ensure the investigation is informed by the Commission’s regulatory expertise.
The directive is in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s “Reset Agenda,” which prioritizes restoring order to the country’s natural resource management and eradicating illegal mining.
“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 emphasized in the letter.
EOCO has been urged to handle the matter with urgency and diligence, consistent with its mandate under the EOCO Act, 2010 (Act 804). The developments signal a renewed push by the government to clamp down on environmental crimes and reinforce accountability, even within the highest ranks of the ruling party.
