The convenor of the Anti-Galamsey Coalition, Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, has called for the immediate arrest of two top National Democratic Congress (NDC) executives — National Organiser Joseph Yamin and National Vice Chairman Yakubu Abanga — over their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.
Dr Ashigbey’s demand follows the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, directing the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to conduct a full-scale investigation into the allegations.
In a letter dated July 15, 2025, the Attorney-General instructed EOCO to invite the two executives for questioning after reports linked them to unauthorised mining operations.
However, weeks later, EOCO has not acted on the directive, raising concerns about selective enforcement of the law.
Speaking in an interview on The Point of View on Channel One TV, Dr Ashigbey urged EOCO to act swiftly.
“The NDC’s National Organiser and National Vice Chairman have been pointed out by the AG to investigate them. Unfortunately, EOCO, we have not heard anything from you. Just as they did to Akonta Mining [Chairman Wontumi], they should arrest these two gentlemen and conduct the investigations,” he said.
Dr Ashigbey emphasised that consistent enforcement, irrespective of political affiliation, is essential to winning the fight against illegal mining. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in prosecuting the case involving the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi.
“We don’t see what is happening to Akonta Mining; he and his other director should be dragged to court,” he added.
Additionally, Dr Ashigbey urged authorities to probe allegations against the NDC Member of Parliament for Aowin, Oscar Ofori Larbi, whom some local chiefs have accused of engaging in galamsey.
His comments come in the wake of the August 6 helicopter crash that killed eight people. The victims were reportedly en route to a galamsey-related event, an incident that has further heightened national attention on illegal mining.
The government has since announced a renewed crackdown on galamsey, pledging stricter enforcement and accountability.
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