The NDC’s 3rd National Vice Chairman, Abanga Alhassan Yakubu, has denied involvement in illegal mining, also known as ‘galamsey’.
He says a “fake” publication circulating on social media implicates him in illegal mining activities and forming a task force to extort money from illegal miners.
Speaking on News Central on TV3 on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, he said, “I came across a particular fake publication with a number registered to one Roland Agudogo. The name that issued the press release was Andrew Abban”, describing it as “a clear case of impersonation and deceit.”
He asked that whoever possesses any evidence of the allegations of galamsey activities or task force for extortion from illegal miners should provide it, leading to his resignation if found true.
“I’m not mining anywhere and if they have any evidence, they should produce it. That is why I’ve said that if anybody is able to provide any evidence, my integrity is on the line. I have a principle and one principle I have is that integrity is better than riches. So, whoever has any evidence against me should provide it to EOCO and I’m ready to meet EOCO to defend myself,” he stated.
The development follows a direction from the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate some individuals who are reported to have engaged in illegal mining activities.
This was contained in a letter sighted by OnuaOnline.
In the letter dated July 15, Dr Ayine wrote “I write to direct your esteemed office to initiate investigations into suspected illegal mining activities being perpetrated by certain individuals within mining districts in the country.”
This directive is borne out of growing public concern, corroborated by media reports and intelligence, regarding the involvement of some citizens in unauthorized mining operations (generally called galamsey) that are in blatant contravention of the provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995.”
He named the individuals involved as Yakubu Abanga and Joseph Yamin. Meanwhile, both persons have denied knowledge of any such act, with Abanga saying he is ready to face any probe by the EOCO.
