The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has formally directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to launch investigations into two individuals—Mr. Joseph Yamin and Mr. Yakubu Abanga—over suspected involvement in illegal mining activities.
The directive is captured in an official letter dated July 15, 2025, and sighted by the media, where Dr. Ayine cited growing public concern and corroborated media reports as the basis for immediate action.
In the letter addressed to EOCO’s Executive Director, Dr. Ayine wrote: “This directive is borne out of growing public concern, corroborated by media reports and intelligence, regarding the involvement of some citizens in unauthorized mining operations (generally called galamsey) that are in blatant contravention of the provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995.”
He emphasized that the alleged activities pose a serious threat to water bodies, forest reserves, and local livelihoods, and must be addressed promptly under EOCO’s mandate as established in Act 804.
In addition to interrogating Mr. Yamin and Mr. Abanga, the Attorney General instructed EOCO to probe other potentially complicit individuals, as well as review findings from the Prof. Frimpong Boateng report on illegal mining.
He also recommended inviting the CEO of the Minerals Commission to assist in the investigation process.
Dr. Ayine reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting illegal mining and urged EOCO to treat the matter with the urgency and seriousness it demands.
