A former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Paul Adom-Otchere, and a communications team member of the National Democratic Congress, Hamza Suhuyini, clashed during a live television programme over illegal mining issues.

The clash between the two personalities began when the Media Relations Officer of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, made a comment while addressing the galamsey matter and why the menace persists.

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He alleged that a wide range of individuals, including journalists, pastors, and imams, are involved in the illegal mining activities.

“We are asking for the politicisation to go, but the truth of the matter is that if you look at the reason illegal mining still continues to fester, it's because everybody is involved. When I say everybody is involved, I mean to say specifically that there are journalists who are involved.

“So, there are journalists involved. There are pastors involved, there are imams involved, and there are politicians across both (sic),” he alleged.

Adom-Otchere, who appeared surprised by Schandorf’s claims, sought clarification on how journalists are allegedly involved in galamsey activities.

“Journalists? But how do they get involved? They act on the ground, or they don't report, or they cover it up, or what?” he questioned.

Adom-Otchere argued that the involvement of politicians and politically-exposed persons, such as regional ministers, is far more serious than the alleged involvement of journalists and pastors.

“Regional ministers are involved. Regional ministers are more important than the pastors and journalists you are mentioning. DCE’s are involved,” he stated.

Hmaza Suhuyini, who was also on the programme, unhappy with the trajectory Paul was taking, questioned him over the evidence backing his claims that regional ministers are involved in galamsey activities.

“You don’t have evidence to suggest that regional ministers are involved,” Suhuyini interjected.

Paul Adom-Otchere, in response, pushed back by also demanding proof for the allegations that journalists are involved in the illegal mining activities.

“Does he have evidence that journalists are involved?” he retorted.

Suhuyini further expressed concern, stating that for someone of Adom-Otchere’s caliber, as a seasoned journalist, he should be cautious about making unverified allegations.

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“You are a seasoned media practitioner and a senior person we look up to. It is unacceptable for you to just throw up such allegations,” he expressed.

Adom-Otchere then added; “MCEs are involved. How can you say that when Sam George said that Akufo-Addo was involved? Did he have evidence? How can you even say that? How can you ask me for evidence?”

Watch the heated moment below:

Paul Adom-Otchere and Hamza Suhuyini heated clash on #TheBigIssue

Schandorf: “Everyone including journalists are involved in Galamsey”

This is where Paul Adom-Otchere lost it

Watch the show here: https://t.co/gFSOZdmI6V pic.twitter.com/LORQOaOUDt

— Jude Duncan (@mensaduncan) April 25, 2026