Photo: Raymond Archer, Executive Director of EOCO
The Extraction Accountability Project (TEAP), an anti-illegal mining watchdog, is leading renewed calls for immediate and transparent action from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), following a clear directive from the Attorney-General for investigations into alleged illegal mining activities involving Mr Yakubu Abanga and Mr Joseph Yamin.
In a letter dated Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine instructed EOCO to investigate individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining—commonly referred to as galamsey—amid a wave of public outrage and mounting media scrutiny.
“This directive is borne out of growing public concern, corroborated by media reports and intelligence,” the Attorney-General wrote. The letter named two high-profile political actors—Mr Abanga and Mr Yamin—as persons of interest and directed EOCO to invite them for immediate interrogation.
But nearly a week after the directive, silence from EOCO has prompted a surge in public agitation and demands for transparency.
No Action, No Update—Confidence Slips
Despite the explicit nature of the directive, EOCO has not confirmed whether either individual has been contacted, invited, or scheduled for questioning. The agency has also failed to provide a roadmap or indicate when investigations will commence.
“The Attorney-General didn’t ask for EOCO’s opinion—he gave a lawful order,” said TEAP’s lead convener, Nana Ama Fosua. “We are not only asking EOCO to act; we are demanding they do so openly. Let the interrogations be televised, if possible. Let the public see justice at work.”
The continued silence, stakeholders warn, is fuelling public suspicion that politically exposed individuals enjoy protection even in the face of credible allegations.
A Moment of Truth for the Mahama Administration
Dr Ayine’s letter made clear that President John Mahama considers the fight against illegal mining a “national priority.” The Attorney-General specifically directed that EOCO widen the scope of its probe, consider the findings of the 2023 Prof Frimpong-Boateng Report, and work closely with the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, whose office is responsible for regulatory oversight.
Legal observers say this case is more than a criminal investigation—it is a credibility test for state institutions.
“This is an integrity checkpoint for EOCO, the Minerals Commission, and the government as a whole,” said Dr Esi Yankah, an environmental law expert. “Ghanaians have every right to ask: Why hasn’t EOCO moved yet? Who or what is holding it back?”
Where Is EOCO? Stakeholders Demand Update, Urge Live Transparency
Civil society groups, environmental advocates, and governance analysts have urged EOCO to break its silence and issue an immediate progress report.
“Even a brief update—yes or no—will suffice,” said Samuel Appiah of OccupyGhana. “Was the directive received? Has anyone been invited? Have investigators been appointed? What is happening behind those doors?”
Calls are intensifying for EOCO to consider holding public hearings or even live broadcasts of interviews—particularly when politically sensitive individuals are involved—to rebuild public trust and demonstrate institutional independence.
“There is no room for backroom deals or half-hearted probes,” said Nana Ama Fosua. “We are watching. The nation is watching.”
Clock Ticking—Damage Spreading
As illegal mining continues to destroy forests, pollute water bodies, and displace rural livelihoods, critics say time is of the essence.
“Until EOCO acts—and acts decisively—the suspicion will linger that this probe is being quietly shelved,” warned TEAP in a press release Monday night.
Public trust in the extractive governance framework is already fragile. Unless the investigations begin swiftly—and with a clear timeline and visible accountability—faith in the Attorney-General’s directive may evaporate.
The people demand answers. The law demands action.
And time, as ever, is running out.
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