During a panel discussion on Joy FM’s Super Morning show hosted by Kojo Yankson and monitored by MyNewsGh, the National Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress, Sammy Gyamfi, reflected on the party’s opposition to illegal mining under the previous administration, emphasising the strides made by the Mahama government since taking office.
“When the GMA asked political parties to declare their positions and sign a pact, we wanted clarity on where they stand. Some called for strike action, but strikes aren’t sustainable. The only consequence politicians fear is electoral loss.
“My message is: if you don’t fight it, we’ll boot you out,” Gyamfi stated, highlighting the importance of holding leaders accountable.
Asked whether past actions targeting then-President Akufo-Addo were more symbolic than practical, Gyamfi said, “Not at all. With hindsight, I’ll go back to that very location and do the same press conference.
“Akufo-Addo lacked the political will and commitment to end the Galamsey menace. He actually promoted it and made it a free-for-all venture for his party apparatchiks and appointees who decimated our forest reserves and water bodies.
“I have no regrets for the stance some of us took in opposition against his government.”
Gyamfi praised the efforts of the Mahama government to combat illegal mining, noting significant progress despite challenges.
“I am proud of the fight against illegal mining that is being waged by the NDC Mahama government so far. Significant strides are being made,” he said.
He cautioned, however, that public discourse often overlooks the full context. “Very important conversation, but we are not giving it that holistic full picture,” he explained.
He recounted the state of affairs inherited by the new administration, stressing that prior governments had failed to address the issue effectively.
“The country that was handed over to us on 7th January 2025 was a country that was not fighting Galamsey at all.
“As a matter of fact, what was happening was that the fighters of galamsey were being arrested, prosecuted, and jailed. There was not even a single oppression against galamsey in the whole of 2024,” he said.
