Agbesi Nutsu, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communication team, has clarified that the party never promised to end illegal mining, known as galamsey, within two weeks, emphasizing that no such timeline exists in the NDC’s manifesto. Speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo morning show on October 10, 2025, Nutsu addressed public expectations, stating, “The official documentation for Ghanaians is our manifesto, and we were not specific that we would solve galamsey in two weeks; it wasn’t in our manifesto.”
Nutsu defended the Mahama administration’s efforts, noting significant improvements in water bodies affected by galamsey within nine months, compared to the previous eight years under the NPP. “Eight years against nine months; there’s a better improvement in our water bodies,” he asserted, highlighting actions like the Community Mining Scheme and military-led operations. However, critics on X point to ongoing environmental damage, with posts citing polluted rivers like the Pra and Ankobra, urging faster action.
The statement comes amid heightened scrutiny of galamsey, with recent reports linking high gold prices and poverty to its surge, as noted by the Forestry Commission. The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised a sustainable mining framework, but Nutsu’s remarks aim to temper expectations of a quick fix, aligning with broader efforts to balance economic and environmental priorities.
