Hamza Suhuyini, during a recent interview, addressed the ongoing discourse surrounding the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana, emphasizing that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) never promised to resolve the issue within a short timeframe.

Suhuyini, a key member of the NDC, expressed concern over media reports attributing unrealistic expectations to the party's stance on galamsey. He stressed that the NDC had always communicated the need for a comprehensive, long-term strategy to tackle the menace effectively, rather than promising immediate results.

“We never said we would end galamsey within a week, a month, or even three months. Our position has always been clear — addressing galamsey requires a holistic and sustainable approach,” Suhuyini explained.

The NDC member further pointed out that former President John Dramani Mahama had consistently emphasized this point. Suhuyini recalled Mahama’s previous handling of the country’s energy crisis, Dumsor, which was also tackled through long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. “It is not for nothing that, in our 120-day pledge, there is no promise to resolve galamsey in such a short period. We understood the complexity of the issue and knew that only sustainable measures would ensure success,” he stated.

Suhuyini challenged critics to review the NDC's 120-day pledge and highlight any statement that suggested an immediate end to illegal mining. He reiterated that the party was committed to a thorough and lasting resolution, in contrast to the misconceptions circulating in the media.