“Galamsey” Fight; KNUST UTAG President Goes Hard on the President.

Professor Eric Abavare, President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has made scathing remarks about President Nana Akufo-Addo’s handling of the illegal mining crisis, commonly referred to as galamsey. In an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on September 12, Prof. Abavare did not hold back, accusing the president of dishonesty and inaction in addressing the destructive environmental issue.

According to Prof. Abavare, President Akufo-Addo had, at various points, created the impression that he was committed to dealing with the galamsey issue. He referenced a period when Prof. Frimpong Manso, the former Minister of Environment, initiated bold steps to curb illegal mining by seizing excavators used by galamsey operators. However, at that time, the president seemed to oppose those actions, making it appear as though Prof. Manso was in the wrong. Prof. Abavare expressed his disappointment in the president’s handling of that situation, and now, with hindsight, believes that Prof. Manso’s efforts were justified.

The essence of Prof. Abavare’s critique centers on his belief that President Akufo-Addo has the constitutional powers, resources, and state machinery to put an end to galamsey, but has failed to do so. He argued that this failure suggests the president is either unwilling or uninterested in tackling the problem head-on, which he considers a betrayal of the trust Ghanaians have placed in him. Abavare said, “Nana Addo has all the powers to stop galamsey if he wants to. The point is that he doesn’t want to. He has all it takes to stop galamsey now.” “That man is a liar he said”.

He further accused the president of allowing the galamsey menace to continue unabated, despite public outcry and the significant environmental and socio-economic damage it has caused. Prof. Abavare underscored the gravity of the situation by calling for President Akufo-Addo’s resignation, arguing that if the government is not prepared to solve the problem, it has no right to remain in power. His remarks suggest that the continued failure to effectively address galamsey undermines the president’s legitimacy and responsibility as a leader.

In addition to his critique of the sitting president, Prof. Abavare also directed criticism at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, former President John Mahama. He condemned Mahama for his recent campaign promises regarding galamsey, particularly his pledge to permit galamsey activities and release individuals arrested for engaging in illegal mining if re-elected. Prof. Abavare viewed this stance as reckless, arguing that it would further embolden illegal miners and undo any efforts made thus far to control the situation.

Prof. Abavare’s comments reflect a deep frustration with the political establishment, accusing both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Akufo-Addo and the NDC under John Mahama of failing to prioritize the welfare of the environment and future generations. He emphasized that illegal mining not only devastates the country’s natural resources but also threatens water bodies, agricultural lands, and the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.

Prof. Abavare’s strong words reflect the urgency with which many Ghanaians, particularly academics and environmentalists, view the galamsey crisis, and his criticism may further intensify the national debate surrounding the government’s handling of the issue.