Member of Parliament for Sisala West and Deputy Minister-Designate for Communication and Digital Innovation, Mohammed Adam Sukparu, has welcomed the directive for investigations into two national executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over allegations of illegal mining.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, in a letter dated July 15, instructed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to invite NDC National Organiser Joseph Yamin and Third National Vice Chairman Yakubu Abanga for questioning.
The directive follows credible reports implicating the two in illegal mining operations.
The A-G’s letter also urged EOCO to broaden the scope of investigations to include findings from Professor Frimpong-Boateng’s report on illegal mining, and to engage the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission to assist in the probe.
The move follows allegations by small-scale miners accusing Yamin and Abanga of being involved in a rogue anti-galamsey task force allegedly harassing legitimate operators.
Reacting to the development in an interview with TV3, Sukparu said the move reinforces President John Mahama’s commitment to fighting illegality across board, including within his own party.
“This is what we talk about the reset agenda. When you are going after others as a government in your quest to fight against illegalities, it shouldn’t limited to only persons that are not withing your political parties.,” Sukparu said.
“So for me, this is a good news for us as a country because in itself, it tells us Ghanaians that President Mahama when he said he wanted to fight illegalities, he meant his work. So if he can ask EOCO to investigate his third national vice chairman and the organizer, it means the man means business and we need to support that.”
