National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Yamin, has vehemently rejected accusations that he is behind the activities of a rogue taskforce allegedly harassing small-scale miners under the pretext of clamping down on illegal mining (galamsey).
Responding to claims by the Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, Mr. Yamin said he has not authorised any individual or group to act on his behalf in relation to mining activities.
“I would be the last person to sanction the activities of any illegal task force. In fact, I have been diligent in reporting illegal acts, including a recent one in the Eastern Region, to the appropriate authorities,” he told the media.
Yamin Demands Action Against Impersonators
The NDC National Organiser further urged security agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute anyone invoking his name to intimidate or extort miners.
He also encouraged mining communities to take proactive steps when confronted by impersonators: “The law must deal with such persons without fear or favour,” he added.
Yakubu Abanga Also Denies Allegations
Echoing a similar stance, the NDC’s 3rd National Vice Chairperson, Mr. Yakubu Abanga, firmly distanced himself from the alleged illegal taskforces operating in mining zones.
A seasoned miner himself, Mr. Abanga revealed he holds legal mining concessions in the Ashanti and Western Regions, as well as in Côte d’Ivoire. He also disclosed that some of his concessions are currently the subject of litigation, following their revocation during the Akufo-Addo administration.
He reiterated his commitment to responsible mining and support for the national anti-galamsey fight.
“As a private businessman and licensed miner, I will never condone, support, or participate in any activity that undermines my government’s and the state’s efforts to fight illegal mining,” he stated.
Background
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources recently launched a new Coordinated Anti-Galamsey Office to streamline mining oversight and crack down on extortionist parallel taskforces. These illegal groups have been reported in several regions, allegedly operating with impunity and exploiting small-scale miners.
The Ministry has pledged to disband such groups and restore order to Ghana’s mining sector.
