Attorney General Directs EOCO to Investigate Alleged Illegal Mining Activities Involving Yakubu Abanga and Joseph Yamin

The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has instructed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to launch an immediate investigation into suspected illegal mining activities linked to two individuals, Yakubu Abanga and Joseph Yamin.

The directive, issued in a formal letter dated July 15, 2025, follows mounting public outcry and credible intelligence reports exposing unauthorized mining operations—commonly known as galamsey—in various mining districts across Ghana. These activities reportedly violate the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995, posing severe environmental and socio-economic threats to water bodies, forest reserves, and local communities.

Government’s Firm Stance Against Illegal Mining

Dr. Ayine emphasized that President John Dramani Mahama’s administration remains resolute in its fight against illegal mining, aiming to restore order in Ghana’s natural resource sector. The Attorney-General’s directive aligns with EOCO’s mandate under the EOCO Act, 2010 (Act 804), empowering the agency to probe economic and organized crimes.

In addition to interrogating Abanga and Yamin, EOCO has been tasked with investigating other individuals implicated in unlawful mining operations. The scope of the inquiry will also cover findings from the Prof. Frimpong Boateng Report on Illegal Mining, which previously highlighted systemic issues in the sector.

Minerals Commission to Assist in Investigations

To ensure a thorough investigation, EOCO may engage the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission for regulatory insights and technical support. The Attorney-General urged the agency to handle the matter with urgency, reinforcing the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources.

Next Steps

EOCO is expected to summon the named suspects and other accomplices for questioning in the coming days. The outcome of the investigation could lead to prosecutions, signaling a stronger crackdown on illegal mining networks.

This move underscores the government’s determination to enforce mining laws and protect the environment, amid growing concerns over the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s ecosystems and sustainable development.

More updates will follow as the investigation progresses.

Signed,
Office of the Attorney-General & Ministry of Justice
July 16, 2025

Source: GhanaFeed.Com