The Office of the Attorney-General and the Ministry of Justice has directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), to initiate investigations into suspected illegal mining activities being perpetrated by certain individuals within mining districts across the country.
This arises from growing public concerns corroborated by media reports and intelligence, regarding the involvement of some citizens in unauthorised mining operations, commonly referred to as galamsey, that blatantly contravene the provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995.
These activities not only violate Ghana’s mining regulations but also pose a severe threat to water bodies, forest reserves, and local livelihoods.
“As Your Office is aware, H.E. the President has consistently reiterated his government’s firm commitment to eradicating illegal mining and restoring sanity to the natural resource governance regime in Ghana,” the statement emphasised.
In alignment with this national stance and pursuant to their mandate under the EOCO Act, 2010 (Act 804), the Office has directed EOCO to summon individuals named in recent credible reports for interrogation, specifically Mr. Yakubu Abanga and Mr. Joseph Yamin.
Additionally, they are to investigate any other individuals found to be complicit in these unlawful mining activities. The scope of this investigation should encompass the issues highlighted in Prof. Frimpong Boateng’s report on illegal mining.
Furthermore, considering the regulatory oversight role of the Minerals Commission, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Commission may be invited to assist in the investigations.
“I trust that EOCO will treat this matter with the urgency and gravity it deserves in order to uphold the rule of law and ensure the integrity of our extractive governance framework,” they reaffirmed.
