Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, has praised the current administration under President John Dramani Mahama for taking bold steps to investigate its own party members allegedly involved in illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
Dr. Ashigbey described the move as rare and commendable in Ghana’s political landscape, especially when contrasted with the previous administration led by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which he accused of ignoring credible reports of party officials involved in galamsey.
Speaking on Ghana Tonight on TV3 on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Dr. Ashigbey referenced a recent directive from the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Akutiringa Ayine, instructing the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to probe two senior NDC officials—Yakubu Abanga and Joseph Yamin—over their alleged involvement in illegal mining and extortion.
“It is very commendable, and I think that is something that should be recognized—that the government would haul its party officials before an investigative body,” Dr. Ashigbey noted.
The investigation also includes a review of persons implicated in the Prof. Frimpong Boateng report on illegal mining, which was submitted in April 2023 but ignored by the previous Akufo-Addo government, despite citing several government appointees and party members.
Dr. Ashigbey recounted a personal encounter with then-President Akufo-Addo over allegations against Akonta Mining, which had been accused by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission of engaging in galamsey activities.
“When I confronted the former President… what did he tell me? He said Akonta Mining was not involved in galamsey as we speak. He didn’t even allow an investigation to happen,” Ashigbey revealed.
The ongoing EOCO probe, guided by Dr. Ayine’s directive, signals a more assertive stance by the Mahama administration to root out illegal mining, even if it implicates high-ranking party figures.
As illegal mining continues to threaten water bodies, forests, and rural livelihoods, this action is being viewed as a crucial test of political will and integrity in Ghana’s fight against galamsey.
source: 3news.com
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