Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi.
Joseph Yammin, Yakubu Abanga, Deny Being Behind Parallel Anti-Galamsey Taskforce.
Two national executives of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) have in separate interviews denied their involvement in the parallel illegal mining Taskforce that is allegedly terrorising and extorting monies from some small scale miners across the country.
The two are namely Joseph Yammin, Yakubu Abanga who are National Organiser, and 3r National Vice-Chairperson of the NDC respectively have also asked the national security office to arrest anyone who operates with their name or influence.
Joseph Yammin:
Speaking to Rawgist.com Wednesday morning, in reaction to some claims by a Concern Small Scale Mining Group, Mr. Yammin said he has never engaged in mining.
He also denied sanctioning anyone or group of persons to operate as taskforce against galamsey.
The National Organiser therefore asked national security officials to arrest and prosecute any group or persons who ho about using his name to terrorise or extort money from licensed and legitimate mining companies.
“I would be the last to sanction the activities of any illegal taskforce or group but rather i have been diligent in reporting persons who are engaged in illegal activities including mining to tbe appropriate quarters with the recent being an illegal activity of a person in the Eastern Region”, Mr Yammin stated.
Furthermore, Mr Yammin urged miners to arrest anyone who comes around to use his name to extort money, peddle influence or to misconduct themselves so that the law can deal with them.
3rd Vice-Chairperson:
On his part, Mr Yakubu Abanga, the 3rd Vice Chairperson of the NDC denied meddling in the affairs of the National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce or operating or sponsoring any group to undertake any illegal activity.
Mr Abanga told this reporter that he was a miner of several years record and currently owned concessions in Ashanti and Western regions of Ghana as well as sites in Cote D’Ivoire.
He also revealed that he has concessions whose issues were in court since they were taken away from him during the Akufo-Addo administration.
“I am a private businessman and a licensed miner and will never sanction, support or involve myself in any enterprise that would undermine my own government and the state’s commitment in fighting illegal mining”, Mr Abanga stated.
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