Attorney General Orders EOCO to Investigate Alleged Illegal Mining by Named Individuals
Nana Osei
Accra, July 15, 2025 – The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has formally directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to initiate investigations into alleged illegal mining activities involving named individuals across mining districts in Ghana.
In a letter addressed to the Executive Director of EOCO, Dr. Ayine cited growing public concern, media reports, and intelligence indicating the involvement of some citizens in unauthorized and environmentally destructive mining activities, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”
“These activities not only flout our mining regulations but also gravely endanger our water bodies, forest reserves, and local livelihoods,” the letter stated.
The Attorney General specifically instructed EOCO to investigate Mr. Yakubu Abanga and Mr. Joseph Yamin, whose names were mentioned in credible reports and in Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng’s report on illegal mining. He further directed the agency to identify and interrogate any other individuals believed to be complicit in the illegal operations.
Dr. Ayine reaffirmed that the directive aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s firm stance on eradicating illegal mining and protecting the nation’s natural resource governance system.
“The President has consistently reiterated his government’s firm commitment to restoring sanity to the natural resource governance regime in Ghana,” the letter emphasized.
In addition, the Attorney General encouraged EOCO to collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, given the Commission’s regulatory oversight role in the mining sector.
Dr. Ayine concluded by urging EOCO to treat the matter with urgency and seriousness, to ensure adherence to the rule of law and protect the integrity of Ghana’s extractive governance framework.
The directive marks a significant step in what appears to be a renewed national effort to clamp down on illegal mining and enforce accountability across the sector.
