Two national executives of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Yamin, the party’s National Organiser, and Yakubu Abanga, the 3rd National Vice Chairman, have denied allegations linking them to a rogue anti-galamsey taskforce accused of extortion and harassment of small-scale miners across the country.
The Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana (CSSMAG) had alleged that an illegal taskforce operating in various mining communities was acting with the backing or influence of the two NDC executives.
According to the group, this alleged taskforce was active in areas such as Sekondi, Bekwai, Offinso, and Prestea, where armed individuals dressed in military gear reportedly invoked the names of Yamin and Abanga while intimidating miners and demanding money.
However, in separate interviews, both Yamin and Abanga firmly refuted the allegations and urged national security authorities to arrest and prosecute any individual or group found impersonating them or using their names for unlawful purposes.
“I would be the last person to sanction the activities of any illegal taskforce or group,” Yamin told EIB’s Ashanti Regional Correspondent on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
He emphasised, “I have never engaged in mining, and I urge security agencies to act swiftly against individuals using my name to harass legitimate miners.”
Yamin further revealed that he has previously reported illegal mining activities to the appropriate authorities, most recently in the Eastern Region.
He also encouraged small-scale miners to apprehend anyone falsely claiming to represent him or the NDC in any mining-related operation.
Abanga also dismissed the claims, stating that he has never supported or authorized any such taskforce.
“I am a licensed miner with concessions in the Ashanti Region, the Western Region, and even in Côte d’Ivoire,” he said.
“I would never undermine the government’s anti-galamsey efforts—especially as I have personally been a victim, having had some of my concessions taken away. I am currently contesting the matter in court.”
Both Yamin and Abanga reiterated their support for legal mining activities and the rule of law, completely distancing themselves from any group operating illegally under the guise of an anti-galamsey campaign.
Meanwhile in a press release also responding to the accusations, Yamin said his attention had been drawn to a statement by the Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association alleging his involvement, alongside Mr. Abanga, in an illegal mining taskforce.
“I wish to categorically state that I have no involvement whatsoever in the said allegations,” the statement read.
Yamin stressed that he is not part of any taskforce, nor has he been consulted or involved in any initiative concerning illegal mining operations. He clarified that he does not own or operate any mining concession.
“If any individual or group is parading as a taskforce using my name, such actions are illegal and must be stopped immediately,” he stated, calling on the appropriate authorities to investigate and take decisive action.
He further emphasised that the formation and operation of any taskforce on illegal mining fall strictly under the jurisdiction of state security agencies and not any political party or individual.
Yamin urged the Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association to refrain from associating him with the matter and to pursue their grievances through the appropriate legal and regulatory channels.
“Once again, I reiterate: I have no involvement in any such operations,” the statement concluded.
Source: citinewsroom.com