Attorney-General Orders EOCO to Probe Illegal Mining by NDC National Organiser and National Vice Chairman , Professor Frimpong Boateng''s Report to be Probed

Attorney-General Orders EOCO to Probe Illegal Mining by NDC National Organiser and National Vice Chairman , Professor Frimpong Boateng''s Report to be Probed

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has officially directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to launch investigations into alleged illegal mining activities involving specific individuals across various mining districts in Ghana.

In a letter addressed to the Executive Director of EOCO, Dr. Ayine emphasized the growing public concern and mounting evidence from media reports and intelligence that point to widespread illegal mining, often referred to as "galamsey", being conducted in unauthorized areas. These operations, he noted, are in clear violation of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and Environmental Protection laws.

Dr. Ayine specifically named Mr. Yakubu Abanga and Mr. Joseph Yamin as individuals to be interrogated, based on credible reports, and also instructed EOCO to extend the investigation to any other persons suspected of being involved or complicit in such activities.

"In line with the President’s national stance to eradicate illegal mining and restore order to Ghana’s natural resource governance regime, EOCO must act with urgency and gravity," the statement read.

The directive also called on EOCO to collaborate with the Minerals Commission, especially by inviting its Chief Executive Officer to support the investigations. The scope of the probe is expected to cover the issues highlighted in the Prof. Frimpong-Boateng report on illegal mining.

Dr. Ayine reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability within the extractive sector, urging EOCO to treat the matter with the seriousness it demands.

The investigation, if thoroughly executed, could mark a significant step in the government's ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal mining and protect Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves, and local livelihoods.