Two national executives of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Yamin and Yakubu Abanga, have rejected allegations linking them to a rogue anti-galamsey taskforce accused of extortion and harassment of small-scale miners.
The Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana (CSSMAG) claimed that individuals operating illegally in mining areas, including Sekondi, Bekwai, Offinso, and Prestea, used the names of Yamin and Abanga to intimidate miners and collect money.
Yamin, the party’s National Organiser, strongly denied any connection, stating: “I would be the last person to sanction such operations. I have never engaged in mining and have, in fact, reported illegal mining activities to authorities.”
He urged national security to arrest and prosecute anyone impersonating him or using his name unlawfully.
Abanga, the 3rd National Vice Chairman, also distanced himself from the claims, saying: “I am a licensed miner with operations in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. I’ve suffered losses myself and would never support illegal mining activities.”
In a separate press release, Yamin reiterated that he has no links to any taskforce, adding that such operations fall solely under the mandate of state security agencies.
Both executives reaffirmed their support for legal mining and called on the miners’ association to seek redress through the appropriate channels.