In a recent interview, Prof. Abavare stood firm on his words, saying, “I stand by my words. Describing the president as a ‘big joker’ is justified, given his failure. He must understand the gravity of his actions.”
The UTAG President’s comments come amidst growing frustration over the government’s handling of illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey”.
Prof. Abavare explained that the President’s approach to fighting galamsey has been ineffective and lacks the necessary urgency.
He drew a comparison to the government’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, “During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the President stood at the Jubilee house and gave either instruction or directive that Greater Kumasi should be locked down. As soon as that statement was made by the President the next day, we saw the lockdown and the police, military and other security agencies on the road to ensure the enforcement.”
The UTAG President argued that a similar decisive action is needed to combat illegal mining.
He suggested that the President has the power to ban the importation of certain mining equipment, which could significantly impact illegal mining operations.
“The basis of our strike is that we want the government to give instructions to say I do not want to see any earth-moving equipment on our road, no changfan imported, it would happen. If the instruction had been made that we don’t want them in the country, they wouldn’t even enter our ports,” Prof. Abavare explained.
