Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, has reached a critical juncture, and the public is demanding answers. The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) has stepped forward, urging President John Dramani Mahama to shed light on the investigations into allegations against two prominent figures of the National Democratic Congress (NDC): Joseph Yamin and Yakubu Abanga. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite the Attorney-General’s directive to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to probe these claims nearly four months ago, no findings have been made public. Why the silence? And this is the part most people miss: the alleged involvement of high-ranking party members in activities that threaten Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves, and rural livelihoods could erode public trust in the government’s anti-galamsey efforts.
In a statement issued by Professor Isaac Boadi, Executive Director of IERPP, the think tank emphasized the urgency of transparency. “The Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, ordered EOCO in July 2025 to investigate Yamin, the NDC’s National Organiser, and Abanga, the party’s National Vice Chairman, over their suspected roles in illegal mining,” Boadi explained. “Yet, despite the gravity of these allegations, Ghanaians remain in the dark.” The directive came amid growing public outcry, intelligence reports, and media exposés highlighting the devastating impact of galamsey on the environment and local communities.
But is the government doing enough to address these concerns? Professor Boadi argues that public confidence is at stake. “If the investigation report isn’t released, it sends a troubling message about accountability,” he warned. IERPP is not just calling for transparency in this case but also urging the government to revisit all past allegations of illegal mining, including those detailed in Professor Frimpong-Boateng’s Committee report.
This situation raises a thought-provoking question: Are political affiliations hindering the fight against galamsey? While the government has vowed to tackle illegal mining, the lack of updates on high-profile cases like this one leaves room for skepticism. What do you think? Is the government handling these investigations fairly, or is there more to the story? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Meanwhile, as we await answers, GhanaWeb continues to spotlight critical issues affecting the nation. Don’t miss our latest documentary, ‘The Dark Side of Kayamata,’ which exposes the exploitative practice fueled by love charms and manipulation. And mark your calendars—the GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025 is officially here! Celebrate impact, innovation, and excellence across Ghana by nominating deserving individuals today: Nominate now.
