UTAG-KNUST President Slams Government’s Handling of Galamsey, Questions Mahama’s Commitment

President of the KNUST Chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana, *Prof. Eric K.K. Abavare*, has issued a strong condemnation of illegal mining, accusing successive governments of failing to stop the “carnage” destroying Ghana’s environment.

In a statement titled _“Dear Ghanaian”_, Prof. Abavare said he was “dumbfounded by the scale of the destruction caused by galamsey” and questioned how people could “destroy their own life-support system... for instant self-gratification.”

*Critique of Current Measures*

He said the inaction of the previous administration had continued under *President John Dramani Mahama (JDM)*, noting that the *Blue Water Guards and NAIMOS* have not delivered the impact Ghanaians expected.

“These groups have become conspicuously ineffective because the President has not shown genuine commitment to the fight. In my view, their collective effort has become a charade, a façade for inaction,” he stated.

Prof. Abavare challenged the President to point to any official gathering where he has “clearly condemned galamsey” beyond saying “galamsey is bad.” He cited the President’s comment that “gold from galamsey has boosted our economy” as a possible reason for a lack of outright condemnation.

*Environmental and Human Cost*

The UTAG-KNUST leader referenced recent *flooding in Samreboi* and the *collapse of the Tarkwa-Aboso-Damang road* as direct effects of galamsey, warning of severe health threats after rivers like the Tano were diverted. He also raised concerns about rising kidney disease cases, urging Ghanaians to “visit any dialysis centre” to see the victims.

“What shall it profit Ghana if we recklessly mine our gold to support the economy while destroying the environment and allowing people to die silently?” he asked.

*Call for Action*

Prof. Abavare said the President has the “power of the state to impose a temporary ban” on galamsey and questioned why it has not been done despite recent destruction. He argued that the cost of galamsey “far exceeds the supposed benefits” and compared inaction to “cutting off one’s tongue for a one hot meal.”

He ended by honouring those who died in relation to the galamsey fight, including *Major Maxwell Mahama* and eight government officials, saying: “Are we allowing their death to be in vain? The power to act still rests in the hands of the President.”