Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convenor of the Anti-Galamsey Coalition, has called for the immediate arrest of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Organiser, Joseph Yamin, and the party’s National Vice Chairman, Yakubu Abanga, citing their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.
Dr. Ashigbey voiced his concerns on Accra-based Channel One TV on August 18, stressing the need for law enforcement agencies to act without political bias in the ongoing fight against galamsey.
The call for action follows a directive from the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, dated July 15, 2025, instructing the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to conduct a full-scale investigation into Yamin and Abanga after recent reports linked them to unauthorized mining operations. Despite the Attorney-General’s order, Dr. Ashigbey expressed disappointment over EOCO’s lack of visible action, urging them to treat the case with the same urgency as previous investigations, such as that of Akonta Mining involving Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi.
“The NDC’s National Organiser, National Vice Chairman, have been pointed out by the AG to investigate them. Unfortunately, EOCO, we have not heard anything from you. Just as they did to Akonta Mining [Chairman Wontumi], they should arrest these two gentlemen and conduct the investigations,” Dr. Ashigbey stated.
He emphasized that consistent enforcement of the law, regardless of political affiliation, is essential to effectively combat illegal mining. Dr. Ashigbey also called for prosecution in the case involving Chairman Wontumi, expressing concern over the silence following his arrest by EOCO, and urged that the NDC Member of Parliament for Aowin, Oscar Ofori Larbi, be investigated after local chiefs linked him to illegal mining activities.
His comments come in the wake of the tragic August 6 helicopter crash that claimed eight lives. The victims were reportedly en route to a galamsey-related event when the accident occurred. In response, the government has announced a renewed crackdown on illegal mining across the country.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
