Amid rising tensions within Ghana’s small-scale mining sector, two top executives of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) have come forward to reject allegations linking them to a rogue anti-galamsey task force accused of extortion and harassment.
The allegations, made by the Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana (CSSMAG), claimed that individuals operating illegally in mining zones across Sekondi, Bekwai, Offinso, and Prestea had been using the names of Joseph Yamin and Yakubu Abanga to threaten miners and extort money.
But both men, Joseph Yamin, the party’s National Organiser, and Yakubu Abanga, the 3rd National Vice Chairman, have dismissed any connection to the said taskforce. Yamin described the claims as baseless and urged authorities to take immediate action against those impersonating him. He also stressed that he has never engaged in mining and has actively reported illegal mining incidents to the appropriate agencies.
Abanga, who revealed he is a licensed miner operating in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, also rejected the allegations. He highlighted the losses he has personally suffered due to illegal mining and made it clear that he would never be involved in, nor support, such activities.
Yamin followed up with an official press release reinforcing that no taskforce operates under his authority and reminding the public that only state-sanctioned security bodies have the mandate to run such operations.
Both executives emphasized their full support for legal and regulated mining practices and advised the Concerned Small Scale Miners Association to seek justice through proper legal channels rather than spread misinformation.
