Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has officially directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate two senior officials of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over allegations of illegal mining activities.
In a letter dated July 15, 2025, and addressed to the Executive Director of EOCO, the AG cited “credible reports and widespread media coverage” involving the officials and instructed that they be “invited for interrogation.”
The letter makes reference to excerpts from Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng’s report on illegal mining and includes allegations that the individuals in question operated an unauthorized task force.
The letter, stamped and signed by the Attorney-General, names Joseph Yamin, National Organizer of the NDC, and Yakubu Abanga, the party’s 3rd Vice Chairman, as persons of interest.
According to the AG, these individuals were reportedly linked to a group that “allegedly conducted operations in mining areas without legal mandate.”
The communication further requests the Minerals Commission to provide assistance and records to EOCO to determine the basis and legality of their activities. It adds that the directive is being issued in line with EOCO’s mandate under Act 804 to probe economic and organized crimes.
The Attorney-General emphasized the seriousness of the situation, citing public concern and the reputational risks to the fight against illegal mining. “Given the national interest in preserving the integrity of our natural resources,” the letter notes, “it is imperative that this matter is thoroughly investigated.”
The document also stresses that the individuals, if found culpable, should be subjected to full legal scrutiny. Political analysts say the move reflects an attempt by the AG to draw a firm line between the current administration’s anti-galamsey stance and lingering public distrust. “
The directive adds a new layer of tension within the NDC-led government, coming just months after the party returned to power. Yamin, a powerful and often controversial figure within the party, had previously been involved in anti-galamsey initiatives, some of which were criticized as unsanctioned.
The AG’s letter appears to distance the current government from those efforts, describing them as “unauthorized and possibly unlawful.” Critics say this referral may reflect deeper internal rifts within the party’s leadership or a bid to assert central control.
EOCO is yet to release a public response, but internal sources confirm early consultations have begun between the agency and the Minerals Commission.
With pressure mounting both within the NDC and from civil society, the case is shaping up to be one of the most politically sensitive tests of the administration’s resolve on illegal mining.
