The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to launch a comprehensive investigation into allegations of illegal mining—commonly referred to as galamsey—implicating two senior officials of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In an official directive dated July 15, 2025, Dr. Ayine ordered EOCO to probe the alleged involvement of Abanga Yakubu Alhassan, Vice Chairman of the NDC, and Joseph Yamin, the party’s National Organiser, in unauthorized mining operations reported across multiple districts in the country.
The Attorney-General cited growing public concern, supported by media investigations and intelligence briefings, as the basis for the directive. He further instructed EOCO to broaden the investigation to include “any other individuals who may be complicit” in the unlawful activities.
The investigation will also consider key findings raised in the report on illegal mining authored by former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng.
As part of the process, Dr. Ayine has advised EOCO to collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, emphasizing the commission’s central role in regulating mining activities in Ghana.
He stressed that the move is in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s firm commitment to ending illegal mining and restoring sound governance of Ghana’s natural resources.
“These illegal activities not only violate our mining laws but also pose a severe threat to our water bodies, forests, and the livelihoods of countless communities,” the Attorney-General stated. He urged EOCO to handle the matter with the “urgency and seriousness it demands.”
