In an interview today 12th October, 2024 on ChannelOne TV, Professor Eric Abavare, president of KNUST University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), did not hold back his criticism of President Akufo-Addo’s performance in addressing the galamsey (illegal mining) crisis. During the interview, Professor Abavare referred to the President as a “joker,” a term that drew reactions from many, especially members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Professor Abavare, however, defended his description of the President, emphasizing that it was based on the President’s track record in tackling the illegal mining menace. “I want my government to succeed, and if my government succeeds, my country succeeds. If my country succeeds, it means I would have succeeded,” he explained, clarifying that his criticism stems from his desire to see genuine progress.
Drawing an analogy to the academic grading system, Professor Abavare highlighted the abysmal results of the government’s fight against illegal mining, citing reports that indicate that less than 1% of lands affected by galamsey have been reclaimed. “If you get less than 1% on land reclamation, in any examination, we would say you’ve failed. In university, we accept 40% as a pass. So if I took the President to an exam on galamsey and he scored less than 1%, and I describe him as a joker, is that out of the blue?” he argued. Watch the video below
His remarks came in response to another panelist on the show, a lawyer and NPP communicator, who had expressed discomfort with Professor Abavare’s earlier comments about the President. Nevertheless, Professor Abavare stood by his assertion, stressing that it was a fair critique given the President’s failure to adequately address the devastation caused by illegal mining.
Meanwhile the government has recently deployed the military and other security operatives to stop Galamseyers mining on water bodies. The operation dubbed “Operation Halt” started on the Birim River where security officers burnt down many equipment being used by the illegal miners.
The deployment was government’s immediate response to mounting pressure from Organized Labour who had declared a nationwide strike on the 10th of October. The Strike was called off after negotiations with government.
