Ken Ashigbey demands arrest of NDC Executives over illegal mining allegations

The Convenor of the Anti-Galamsey Coalition, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, has urged the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to arrest and investigate two senior National Democratic Congress (NDC) officials, National Organiser Joseph Yamin and National Vice Chairman Yakubu Abanga, over their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.

Dr. Ashigbey expressed disappointment at EOCO’s inaction despite a directive from the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, who on July 15, 2025, instructed the agency to invite the two party executives for questioning following reports linking them to galamsey operations.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Sammi Wiafe on Monday, August 18, Dr. Ashigbey stressed that the law must be applied fairly and without political considerations.

“The Attorney-General has asked EOCO to look into the activities of the NDC’s National Organiser and Vice Chairman, yet we have heard nothing. Just as they acted swiftly in the case of Akonta Mining and Chairman Wontumi, they must also act here. These two should be arrested and investigated,” he said.

He further noted that the fight against illegal mining could only succeed if enforcement was consistent and devoid of selective justice.

Dr. Ashigbey also called for the prosecution of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, citing EOCO’s silence after his arrest in connection with Akonta Mining.

“We still don’t know what has become of the Akonta Mining case. Wontumi and his co-director must be prosecuted,” he added.

In addition, he called for an investigation into the NDC Member of Parliament for Aowin, Oscar Ofori Larbi, following allegations from local chiefs linking him to galamsey activities.

His remarks come in the wake of the August 6 military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives. The victims were reportedly traveling to an event connected to illegal mining, prompting government to announce a renewed nationwide crackdown on galamsey.