Hamza Suhuyini, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communication Team, has mounted a strong defence of the Mahama administration’s fight against illegal mining while simultaneously dismissing the sincerity of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) recent protest in Accra.
Speaking on the ongoing fight against illegal mining, Suhuyini accused the opposition of distracting from pressing national issues and of hypocrisy in its posture on governance and accountability.
Suhuyini charged that the NPP had no moral right to criticise the current government, pointing to what he described as the party’s culpability in entrenching galamsey activities during its eight years in office. He argued that the previous administration’s actions did not reflect a genuine commitment to fighting galamsey but rather exposed its complicity.
“We must be careful not to be distracted by the noise of the opposition NPP that is only seeking some measure of relevance using the fight – we will not entertain that. We have a job to do for the people of Ghana”
Hamza Suhuyini, NDC Communication Team Member
The NDC communicator emphasised that calls by civil society organisations (CSOs) and “professional bodies,” for a state of emergency in the past were justified because the NPP had failed to stem illegal mining. He further accused the NPP of enabling illegal mining by exploiting state interventions for political and financial gain.
“The regime itself became a certified enabler of galamsey activities. You created a room and attempted to solve the issue, only to take advantage of that to capture mining sites. That is why we never succeeded in the fight”
Hamza Suhuyini, NDC Communication Team Member
He contrasted that with the Mahama administration’s efforts, describing them as more credible and rooted in a genuine coalition of media professionals and civil society groups who demanded accountability and action, stressing that this groundswell of public interest strengthened the government’s resolve.
He cited and contrasted this phenomenon with the corruption under the NPP era, where officials tasked to curb the menace were filmed taking bribes to allow illegal miners back to sites.
Meanwhile, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has countered Suhuyini’s claims, insisting that the Mahama administration itself has not demonstrated seriousness in tackling galamsey.
He accused the government of adopting a lackadaisical attitude toward the menace despite its rhetoric.
“As at 11:00 am this morning, our drones captured galamseyers in the Pra River mining. I have tagged the minister for government communication in the video so that he will see the damage in the Pra River”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Aide to Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
NPP Protest Dismissed
Beyond illegal mining, Suhuyini also addressed the NPP’s “Yɛn Suro Ahunahuna” protest, which saw hundreds of supporters march in Accra to denounce alleged harassment and injustice against party members.
The demonstration, which began at the Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and ended with a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, was dismissed by Suhuyini as insincere and opportunistic.
“As for the state institutions, we will not interfere when it comes to their functions. The President Mahama I know will not turn himself into a ‘clearing agent’ even if the police CID comes out with its report on suspected criminalities of his appointees.
“But you need to understand also that what happened yesterday was not a demonstration sincerely organised to expand the frontiers of our democracy. It was simply an avenue for Salam Mustapha to launch his campaign as the national organiser of the NPP. He was testing the waters”
Hamza Suhuyini, NDC Communication Team Member
Suhuyini’s remarks underscored the ongoing tension between the two dominant political parties, with illegal mining and governance accountability continuing to serve as flashpoints in Ghana’s political discourse under President John Dramani Mahama.
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