- Alleged taskforces reportedly in camouflage and are armed
- Investigation will also review findings from the Prof. Frimpong-Boateng galamsey report
- He has not officially received EOCO’s letter but pledges full cooperation
Yakubu Abanga, Third National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has publicly stated that he is prepared to resign from his position if investigations prove his involvement in illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
His statement follows a directive from Attorney General Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, instructing the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate Mr. Abanga and NDC National Organiser Joseph Yamin. The investigation is linked to allegations that the two officials were involved in the formation of unauthorized anti-galamsey taskforces.
In an interview, Mr. Abanga declared,
“I am putting my position on the line. If anyone can come forward with evidence that I, Abanga Yakubu Alhassan, am involved in galamsey or have set up taskforces to extort money, I will resign immediately.”
He described the accusations as unfounded, politically motivated, and intended to tarnish his reputation.
The allegations were brought forward by a group of small-scale miners who, in a recent press conference, accused Abanga and Yamin of backing fake taskforces. These taskforces are said to be disrupting legitimate mining operations in parts of the Ashanti and Western Regions.
Andrew Abban, spokesperson for the miners, claimed these groups operate in camouflage gear and are armed, reportedly harassing miners at sites in Sekondi, Bekwai, Offinso, Prestea, and other locations.
In a letter dated Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the Attorney General directed EOCO to invite both men for interrogation and to broaden the scope of the investigation to include findings from Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s report on illegal mining.
Although Mr. Abanga says he has not yet officially received the EOCO notice, he has pledged to fully cooperate with the investigation and repeated his willingness to resign if found culpable.
The case adds further intensity to Ghana’s ongoing debate on illegal mining, governance, and the accountability of public officials.
