The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General (AG), Dr Dominic Ayine, has instructed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to launch investigations into alleged illegal mining activities involving two individuals.
In a letter dated July 15, Dr Ayine tasked EOCO to begin a probe into what he described as suspected illegal mining operations being carried out by certain individuals within various mining districts across the country.
He explained that the directive follows increasing public concern, intelligence, and media reports pointing to the involvement of some citizens in unlawful mining, popularly referred to as galamsey, in violation of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995.
He identified the individuals under investigation as Mr Yakubu Abanga, National Democratic Congress (NDC) third Vice Chairman and the NDC National Organizer, Mr Joseph Yamin.
Dr Ayine reportedly emphasized that the President has consistently reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to eliminating illegal mining and restoring order in the management of Ghana’s natural resources.
In line with this commitment and in accordance with EOCO’s mandate under the Economic and Organised Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804), the Attorney-General directed the agency to invite Mr Abanga and Mr Yamin for questioning, citing recent credible reports implicating them in illegal mining activities.
“I write to direct your esteemed office to initiate investigations into suspected illegal mining
activities being perpetrated by certain individuals within mining districts in the country. This directive is borne out of growing public concern, corroborated by media reports and intelligence, regarding the involvement of some citizens in unauthorized mining operations (generally called galamsey) that are in blatant contravention of the provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995,” AG stated.
Read the full statement below:
