Professor Eric Abavare, the president of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), KNUST Chapter, has boldly told President John Dramani Mahama he is a conman.
The KNUST UTAG President accused John Mahama of lacking sincerity in the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Professor Eric Abavare, speaking on Citi News, described President Mahama’s stance as deceitful.
He boldly stated, “Mr. President, I do not want to use the word that you are a conman, but from the actions so far, it is evident that you are a conman.
“You are a conman in the sense that the alacrity and pragmatism with which you exhibited prior to the election are not the same,” he charged.
Professor Eric Abavare added, “It means that you have some interest. I do not want to be told that because of the GoldBod, gold exploration and gold mining, but that cannot equate the danger”.
He further alleged that Mahama’s ties to gold mining entities may be muddying the government’s position.
Meanwhile, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) have started mounting pressure on President John Dramani Mahama to fulfil his pre-election galamsey pledges.
UTAG, in a statement released on Thursday, July 17, threatened to trigger an industrial action if John Mahama does not fulfil his pledges.
According to UTAG, the Mahama government lack concrete progress in the fight against galamsey.
UTAG recalled that John Mahama, in opposition before the 2024 election, signed the National Pledge Against Illegal and Irresponsible Mining, which they say he is yet to fulfil.
The University Teachers Association of Ghana highlighted the following: “The immediate public denunciation of galamsey and its environmental harms. A directive for all illegal mining activities to cease, including the evacuation of forest reserves and river bodies. Empowering law enforcement agencies to act without fear or favour, regardless of political affiliation. Implementation of coherent, practical anti-galamsey policies. And the dismissal of local government officials who permit or protect illegal mining in their jurisdictions”.
UTAG further called on John Mahama to repeal Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 and the declaration of a state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas.
Part of the UTAG statement wrote, “UTAG expects the President to fulfil his pledges with urgency and transparency. If concrete steps are not taken promptly, UTAG will not hesitate to activate all constitutionally permitted avenues—including industrial action—to demand the fulfilment of these national commitments.
“We urge our members and the broader public to remain vigilant and united in protecting our environment for future generations. The time for rhetoric is over; the time for action is now”.
Meanwhile, UTAG noted the Attorney General’s directive to EOCO to investigate NDC members alleged to be involved in galamsey and also the Prof Frimpong Boateng report on galamsey.
UTAG asserted that significant and coordinated action is needed to eradicate the galamsey menace in the country permanently.
Mahama’s recent comment on galamsey
President John Dramani Mahama has stated that illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, is now a national emergency.
Mahama condemned the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining in Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso during his Thank You Tour of the Western North Region.
Speaking at a durbar in the Western North Region on Tuesday, July 15, Mahama stated, “We are alarmed by the environmental destruction that is reported across Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi-Anhwiaso, mainly due to illegal mining.
I must be honest, this is a national emergency. The national taskforce will continue its efforts to halt illegal mining in our forest reserves and on our water bodies,” he added.
The president also issued a stern warning to anti-galamsey task forces who have been extorting money from legitimate small-scale mining companies.
“I have also noticed the activities of the illegal anti-galamsey taskforces that go round extorting money from legitimate small-scale mining companies.
“I have requested the authorities to arrest and prosecute any individuals involved in this illegal anti-galamsey activity,” President Mahama warned.
