The Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Mr. Abraham Koomson, has rejected  New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful Dr. Bryan Acheampong's call for the government to suspend all mining activities across the country for 90 days.

According to Mr. Koomson, the NPP—under whose administration Dr. Acheampong served as a Cabinet Minister—had eight years in power yet failed to effectively tackle the menace of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

He questioned the sincerity of Dr. Acheampong’s proposal, arguing that it was misplaced for a former Minister in the previous government to demand immediate action from a new administration that has only recently assumed office.

Dr. Acheampong, while addressing the media at his campaign office on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, proposed a 90-day nationwide suspension of mining operations to enable the restoration of Ghana’s polluted water bodies and protect the environment, food systems, and water security.

He explained that his call was not for a declaration of a state of emergency but a temporary national intervention to allow for environmental recovery.

However, reacting to the comments on Ahotor FM’s “Yepe Ahunu” show on Saturday, October 18, Mr. Koomson described the remarks as hypocritical and insincere, saying they should not be taken seriously.

“The NPP was in power for eight years and did little to stop galamsey.

It is unfair and hypocritical for Bryan Acheampong to now turn around and demand that this new government suspend mining operations,” he stated.

Mr. Koomson further urged President John Dramani Mahama to remain focused on his development agenda and not be distracted by political commentary from opposition figures.

“The President must stay focused and deliver on his promises.

He should not allow such statements to divert attention from his plans for the country,” he added.