Omanghana
The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed that investigations into two senior National Democratic Congress (NDC) executives over alleged links to illegal mining activities remain active, as authorities continue efforts to establish the facts surrounding the claims.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Srem-Sai has appealed for patience from civil society organizations and the general public, explaining that complex criminal investigations require time, careful evidence gathering, and due process before conclusions can be reached.
He emphasized that investigators must follow proper procedures to ensure that any action taken is supported by credible evidence and can withstand legal scrutiny.
NDC Executives at the Centre of Probe
The investigation involves:
- Joseph Yamin, NDC National Organizer
- Yakubu Abanga, NDC Third National Vice Chairman
The two party officials have been linked to allegations involving an unauthorized “anti-galamsey” taskforce accused of operating outside official government structures.
Allegations Surrounding the Taskforce
According to the claims under investigation, the alleged taskforce presented itself as an anti-illegal mining enforcement group but was accused of harassing, intimidating, and extorting money from legitimate small-scale miners operating in parts of the Ashanti and Western Regions.
Authorities are examining whether individuals associated with the group acted unlawfully and whether any political figures supported or benefited from the alleged activities.
The investigation was formally launched following a directive from Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Dr. Dominic Ayine.
The directive followed months of public discussion, intelligence reports, and issues raised in the widely referenced report by Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng on illegal mining activities and their impact on Ghana’s environment and natural resources.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
The ongoing probe has attracted attention from civil society groups and anti-corruption advocates, who are demanding transparency and equal application of the law.
Coalition Against Galamsey Seeks Update
The Convener of the Coalition Against Galamsey, Ing. Ken Ashigbey, has called on authorities to provide updates on the status of the investigation.
He stressed that Ghana’s fight against illegal mining must be conducted openly and without political discrimination, warning that public confidence could suffer if citizens perceive selective enforcement.
IMANI Africa Pushes for Speedy Conclusion
President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has also urged EOCO to accelerate its work and present its findings.
He argued that timely conclusions would demonstrate that influential political figures are subject to the same legal standards as ordinary citizens.
Accused Executives Deny Allegations
Both Joseph Yamin and Yakubu Abanga have rejected the allegations, describing them as false, politically motivated, and damaging to their reputations.
The two executives have maintained that they have no involvement in illegal mining activities or any unlawful operations linked to the alleged taskforce.
Abanga has publicly challenged anyone with evidence proving his involvement in illegal mining-related activities to present it, stating that he would resign from his party position if credible proof was produced.
EOCO Works With Minerals Commission
As investigations continue, EOCO is collaborating with the Minerals Commission to examine the activities of the alleged unauthorized operations and determine the extent of any violations.
The agencies are expected to review available evidence, gather further information, and establish whether any criminal offences have been committed.
Authorities have reiterated that the investigation remains ongoing and that conclusions will only be announced after all necessary investigative processes have been completed.
Source: Omanghana
