The investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) into allegations linking the National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Organiser, Joseph Yamin, to illegal mining is facing a major setback, following revelations about the petition that triggered the probe.

People familiar with the investigation have told The Herald that what initially appeared to be a formal complaint against Mr Yamin has taken an unexpected turn after the individual who purportedly authored the petition disowned it.

The development has raised serious questions about the credibility of the allegations and the authenticity of the petition that formed the basis of the investigation. There’s a feeling among his supporters that there should have been a preliminary probe into the matter before the government’s sensational announcement that Yamin was being investigated because of “Galamsey”.

According to information available to The Herald, the controversy centres on a petition purportedly submitted by a resident of Achimota in Accra, accusing Mr Yamin of involvement in “Galamsey”.

However, the alleged petitioner is said to have categorically denied having authored or signed any such petition when questioned by investigators. He did not know how his telephone number even appeared on the purported petition.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the man informed EOCO officials that he had never written the document, had no knowledge of its contents and had no connection whatsoever with Mr Yamin.

The purported petitioner is also reported to have denied any involvement in galamsey activities himself.

“He stated that he does not know Joseph Yamin and has never authored any petition against him,” a source familiar with the investigation disclosed.

The denial has cast doubt on the document’s origins and raised concerns that investigators may have been presented with a fraudulent petition.

Sources close to the matter believe the allegations may have been part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish the NDC National Organiser’s reputation.

Interestingly, Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC and Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, has launched a passionate defence of the party’s National Organiser, describing the treatment of the National Organiser by some elements within the ruling party and government as unfair and politically dangerous.

Speaking to Captain Smart on Accra-based Onua TV’s morning show programme, “Maakye,” recently, Gbande expressed frustration over what he described as the continued marginalisation of Yamin despite his sacrifices and contributions to the NDC’s victory in the 2024 general election.

He questioned the rationale behind ongoing investigations by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) allegations that Yamin was involved in “galamsey”, and criticised the apparent lack of support from sections of the party leadership.

“Every day, I wake up and wonder if it’s really worth being in government alongside my brother Joseph Yamin, given where he’s positioned. Given the way he’s been rejected, wouldn’t I be betraying the bond of friendship and brotherhood we share?” he asked.

Mr Gbande argued that the NDC had developed a culture in which members facing challenges were often abandoned rather than supported.

“In the NDC, if you have a problem, not everyone will stand up for you. We’re better at cutting each other down than lifting each other. This culture of malice has been with us forever,” he stated.

The Deputy General Secretary further alleged that some individuals within the party had deliberately sought to undermine Yamin and fuel investigations into him, including allegations of illegal mining.

Questioning the length of time the investigations had taken, Gbande said, “How many months or years has it been? What kind of investigation takes six months? If that’s how we operate, how will we ever investigate the NPP’s galamsey projects or the forest depletion?”

He argued that while allegations involving officials of the previous administration remained unresolved and abandoned, Yamin was being unfairly used as a scapegoat.

“We haven’t touched that. But our National Organiser, Yamin, we can make him a scapegoat to please whom? Do you think the NPP will return the favour?” he queried.

Mr Gbande also expressed concern about the personal toll the situation had taken on Yamin and his family, saying party leaders appeared indifferent to the consequences of their actions.

“That’s my brother. I’d rather not be in government than sacrifice Yamin. I will never do that for anyone. If this isn’t addressed soon, we will react. I mean it,” he warned.

According to him, Yamin had remained silent despite enduring public criticism and reputational attacks.

“The things done to him, he kept quiet. Must that continue? Haven’t they disgraced us already? I will say it as it is. It’s wrong. We’ve let the NPP ridicule us,” he said.

Mr Gbande disclosed that party elders had convened a meeting after the controversy emerged and advised members not to publicly discuss the issue, assuring them it would be resolved; however, the investigation’s findings have been delayed, and nothing is being said by the party’s chieftains.

“When this happened, party elders called a midnight meeting and told us to stay silent; it would be handled. But who’s asking what’s happening to Yamin and his kids?” he questioned.

He further revealed that he had contemplated resigning from his government position over the matter and insisted he would continue to stand by Yamin regardless of the consequences.

“I’ve said it: the position of Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, any day they want it back, just tell me, and I’ll leave. But to sit and let this fester, to let it happen to party people? I will fight it to the last drop of my blood,” he declared.

Gbande described the treatment of Yamin as an act of outright ingratitude, insisting that the National Organiser played a crucial role in the party’s electoral success, but had received little recognition in return.

“This is outright ingratitude. It wasn’t a mistake. If you play someone wicked and know it’s wicked, we’re not too big to call Yamin, apologise, and say, ‘we were wrong, we’re sorry,’ he stated.

In one of his strongest remarks, Gbande revealed that he had advised Yamin to consider legal action against the Mahama government.

“At the last Functional Executive Committee meeting, I personally told Yamin to sue the government. The day he does that, I will resign from the government,” he said.

He recounted instances during the 2024 election campaign when Yamin felt disrespected despite his commitment to the party’s cause.

“During the 2024 campaign, when people treated him like a fool, he wept. Once in London, in his hotel room, he cried uncontrollably from the disrespect. I told him to relax. We won the election; he asked for nothing,” Gbande disclosed.

The Deputy General Secretary added by urging party leaders to reflect on how they treat loyal members, warning that neglecting dedicated party stalwarts could breed disillusionment and weaken the party’s future electoral fortunes.

“We won’t disrespect the system, but the system must not be used to undermine anyone because we built that system. Why do we do this to our own people?” he asked, revealing how people have built social media platforms to attack party loyalists, warning that he, as a person, would not fall victim to their tricks; rather, he would fight it.