Convenor of the Anti-Galamsey Coalition, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, has called for the arrest of Joseph Yamin, the NDC National Organiser and Yakubu Abanga, the party’s National Vice Chairman, in connection with their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.
Dr. Ashigbey expressed his dissatisfaction with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), accusing the agency of failing to act on the Attorney-General’s directive to investigate the two NDC executives despite clear instructions for a thorough enquiry into their suspected roles in galamsey operations.
In a letter dated Tuesday, 15th July 2025, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, had instructed EOCO to summon Yamin and Abanga for questioning, following reports linking them to unauthorised mining activities.
During an interview with Channel One TV on Monday, 18th August, Dr. Ashigbey voiced his frustration, stressing the importance of applying the law impartially, regardless of political affiliation.
“The NDC’s National Organiser and National Vice Chairman have been named in reports, and the Attorney-General has ordered an investigation. Yet, EOCO has failed to take action. Just as they did with Chairman Wontumi of Akonta Mining, they should arrest Yamin and Abanga and carry out the necessary investigations,” he said.
Dr. Ashigbey emphasised the need for consistent enforcement of the law to effectively combat galamsey, irrespective of political connections.
He also called for the prosecution of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), better known as Chairman Wontumi, after his arrest by EOCO.
He expressed concern over the apparent lack of updates following the investigation into Wontumi’s activities.
“We are still in the dark about what is happening with Akonta Mining. Both Wontumi and his fellow directors must be brought to court,” he stated.
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