Third National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Yakubu Abanga, has categorically denied any involvement in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, following a directive from the Attorney-General instructing the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate him and the NDC’s National Organiser, Joseph Yamin.
The directive, which has sparked widespread discussions, accuses the two senior party officials of allegedly supporting unauthorised anti-galamsey task forces and engaging in illegal mining activities.
However, Yakubu Abanga, speaking in an interview, strongly refuted these claims, describing them as baseless and a deliberate attempt to smear his reputation.
“Let me state without reservation that I have never been involved in any illegal mining activity at any point in my life,” Abanga stated. “These allegations are baseless, malicious and calculated attempts to tarnish my hard-earned reputation and integrity.”
He further revealed that he has not received any official communication from EOCO regarding the investigations. Nonetheless, he expressed his readiness to fully cooperate with any inquiries to establish the truth.
“But should I be invited, I am ever ready to avail myself and assist in any way necessary to bring clarity to the matter,” he said.
Addressing claims that he had formed task forces to extort money from miners, Yakubu Abanga challenged his accusers to come forward with evidence. He went as far as pledging to resign from his position should anyone be able to substantiate the allegations.
“I have never and will never form any task force to extort money from people as claimed. Whoever has evidence that I sent a task force to extort money from them should come out clearly. I am ever ready, and I will resign today as the National Vice Chairman of the party if anybody provides such information against me,” he said.
The Attorney-General’s directive forms part of a renewed national effort to clamp down on illegal mining operations, which continue to devastate Ghana’s environment and water bodies. The inclusion of high-profile political figures in the investigations has further intensified public interest and debate on the political dimensions of the galamsey menace.
While Yakubu Abanga maintains his innocence, all eyes now turn to EOCO as Ghanaians await the outcome of the investigations, which could have far-reaching implications for the individuals involved and for Ghana’s ongoing fight against illegal mining.
