The Third National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Yakubu Abanga, has come out swinging against allegations linking him to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey. In a passionate rebuttal, Mr. Abanga declared his readiness to step down from his position should any credible evidence surface implicating him in such activities.
His bold statement follows a directive from the Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, asking the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to probe both Mr. Abanga and NDC National Organiser, Joseph Yamin, over claims that they are supporting unauthorized anti-galamsey taskforces.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Abanga denied all allegations, calling them “baseless, malicious, and a calculated attempt to dent my hard-earned reputation.” He went further, staking his position on the line.
“I am putting my position on the line, that if anybody should be bold and come out with evidence against me, Abanga Yakubu Alhassan, that I am into galamsey or I have formed a taskforce to extort money from people and bring it to me in Accra, I will resign today from my position,” he said.
The scandal erupted after a group of small-scale miners issued a press statement accusing Mr. Abanga and Mr. Yamin of backing rogue anti-galamsey groups. These alleged taskforces have reportedly been disrupting legitimate mining operations in the Ashanti and Western Regions, under the guise of cracking down on illegal mining.
According to the miners, the operatives often dressed in camouflage and carrying firearms, storming mining sites in places like Sekondi, Bekwai, Offinso, and Prestea. The group’s leader, Andrew Abban, painted a grim picture of intimidation, alleging that these imposters extort money while masquerading as law enforcement.
