Yakubu Abanga, the Third National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to resign if investigations prove his involvement in illegal mining (galamsey).
This follows a directive from Attorney General Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, instructing the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to probe Abanga and the NDC’s National Organiser, Joseph Yamin, over allegations of supporting unauthorized anti-galamsey taskforces.
Speaking in an interview, Abanga stated, “If anyone produces evidence showing I’m involved in galamsey or have created taskforces to extort money, I will resign immediately.” He described the accusations as unfounded and intended to tarnish his reputation.
The allegations stem from claims by a group of small-scale miners who accused Abanga and Yamin of backing fake anti-galamsey taskforces. These groups allegedly raid legal mining sites in areas like Sekondi, Bekwai, Prestea, and Offinso, armed and dressed in camouflage.
The Attorney General’s letter to EOCO calls for an investigation into the claims and directs that the probe be expanded to cover findings from Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s earlier report on illegal mining.
Although Abanga says he has yet to receive the official letter, he assured his full cooperation with the investigation and reaffirmed his readiness to step down if found culpable.
This development intensifies national discourse around galamsey, corruption, and the role of political figures in illegal mining activities.
