'I would have been too harsh on Raymond Archer if not for his probe into me' - Yamin

The National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Yamin, has stated that he has “relaxed” on Raymond Archer, Executive Secretary of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), because of Archer’s ongoing investigations into his alleged involvement in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.

According to Yamin, there are several pressing investigations that EOCO should be pursuing but the office has been slow in addressing them.

Speaking in an interview on a YouTube channel, excerpts of which have circulated on social media, Yamin remarked, “If I start talking, I will be too harsh on Raymond. Why is it that, after all this time, you have been given the position to investigate some of these matters but to no avail? To me, Raymond’s investigations are slow.

“And if I talk about it, some people might say it’s because he is investigating me for galamsey that I am being too hard on him. So, I have to relax.”

It may be recalled that the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, directed EOCO to launch a full-scale investigation into alleged illegal mining activities involving Joseph Yamin and Yakubu Abanga, National Vice Chairman of the NDC.

In a letter dated Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the Attorney-General instructed EOCO to invite the two individuals named in recent reports for interrogation over their suspected involvement in unauthorised mining operations. The directive followed rising public concern, intelligence assessments, and extensive media coverage of illegal mining, which continues to threaten Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves, and rural livelihoods.

“These activities not only flout our mining regulations but also gravely endanger our water bodies, forest reserves, and local livelihoods,” the letter emphasised.

Dr. Ayine further asked EOCO to broaden its probe to cover other persons found complicit, with special attention to issues raised in the Prof. Frimpong-Boateng report on illegal mining. He also called for collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, given the agency’s regulatory role, to support and guide the investigative process.

Family of Late UCC student breaks silence on organ harvesting claims

This directive aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, which seeks to restore discipline in Ghana’s natural resource governance and eliminate illegal mining across the country.

“The President has consistently reiterated his government’s firm commitment to eradicating illegal mining and restoring sanity to the natural resource governance regime in Ghana,” the Attorney-General stated.

EOCO has been urged to treat the matter with urgency and seriousness, in line with its mandate under the EOCO Act, 2010 (Act 804).

AM



Engineers' body calls for mandatory verification of foundations before concrete works