Attorney-General orders probe into galamsey links involving Abanga, Yamin
The Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, has directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities across the country.
In a letter dated Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Dr Ayine instructed EOCO to act on intelligence and public concerns regarding unauthorised mining operations.
“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,” he stated.
Dr Ayine further disclosed that President John Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to ending illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, and has requested that EOCO invite Mr Yakubu Abanga and Mr Joseph Yamin for interrogation.
“This directive is borne out of growing public concern, corroborated by media reports and intelligence, regarding the involvement of some citizens in unauthorised mining operations… that are in blatant contravention of the provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995,” the Attorney-General stated.
He noted that such activities not only breach Ghana’s mining laws but also pose serious threats to water bodies, forest reserves, and local livelihoods.
“In line with this national stance, and pursuant to your mandate under the EOCO Act, 2010 (Act 804), I am directing your office to invite the following persons named in recent credible reports for interrogation—namely, Mr Yakubu Abanga and Mr Joseph Yamin,” the letter read.
Dr Ayine also instructed EOCO to extend the investigation to any other individuals found to be complicit in the unlawful activities, and to consider issues raised in the Prof Frimpong-Boateng Report on illegal mining.
He further requested that the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission be invited to assist with the investigation, given the Commission’s regulatory oversight responsibility.
“I trust that EOCO will treat this matter with the urgency and gravity it deserves in order to uphold the rule of law and ensure the integrity of our extractive governance framework,” Dr Ayine concluded.
