Two senior executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have denied any involvement in alleged extortion schemes linked to a rogue anti-galamsey taskforce reportedly operating across mining communities in Ghana.
The Concerned Small-Scale Mining Group of Ghana (CSSMGG) has raised alarm over what it describes as a shadowy operation involving uniformed men who storm mining concessions, extort money, and claim backing from high-level political and military figures.
According to the group, names of key NDC officials — Joseph Yamin, the party’s National Organiser, and Yakubu Abanga, the Third Vice-Chairperson — are often dropped by these operatives to intimidate miners and legitimise their illegal activities.
But both Yamin and Abanga have strongly denied any links to the alleged taskforce.
“I have never engaged in mining. I would be the last person to endorse any illegal activity. Those using my name must be arrested and prosecuted,” Yamin stated.
Yakubu Abanga, who confirmed he is a licensed miner, said he operates legally and has no ties to any parallel taskforce.
“I would never involve myself in anything that undermines my government or the industry I work in,” he said.
The miners further alleged that the operations are being led by individuals in military attire, with one Colonel Tali—believed to be linked to National Security—named as a central figure. Other military personnel were also mentioned as participants in the extortion scheme, theheraldghana.com reports.
CSSMGG claims the situation has created fear among miners, with some abandoning their concessions entirely.
The group has called on President John Mahama and Lands Minister Armah Kofi Buah to act swiftly to disband all unauthorised groups and restore confidence in the formal anti-galamsey campaign.
The Lands Ministry has acknowledged the growing concerns and pledged to intensify efforts to eliminate illegal taskforces operating under the guise of state authority.
