Two national executives of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Yamin and Yakubu Abanga, have denied allegations linking them to a rogue anti-galamsey taskforce accused of extorting and harassing small-scale miners.
The Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana (CSSMAG) has alleged that certain individuals operating illegally in mining communities — including Sekondi, Bekwai, Offinso, and Prestea — have been using the names of Yamin and Abanga to intimidate miners and collect money under false pretenses.
Yamin, the party’s National Organiser, strongly refuted the claims, saying, “I would be the last person to sanction such operations. I have never engaged in mining and, in fact, have reported illegal mining activities to the authorities.” He called on national security to arrest and prosecute anyone impersonating him or using his name unlawfully.
Abanga, the NDC’s 3rd National Vice Chairman, also distanced himself from the allegations, stating, “I am a licensed miner with operations in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. I have suffered losses myself and would never support illegal mining activities.”
In a separate statement, Yamin reiterated that he has no links to any taskforce, stressing that such operations fall strictly under the mandate of state security agencies.
Both executives reaffirmed their commitment to legal mining and urged the miners’ association to seek redress through the appropriate legal channels.
Credit: Albert Kuzor
