Professor Eric Abavare, President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has sharply criticized the government’s handling of illegal mining—commonly referred to as galamsey—labeling its recent policy direction as misguided and superficial.
In a strongly worded post on Facebook, Prof. Abavare took aim at what he described as the government’s obsession with coining new terms, such as “de-chemicalization,” which he argued trivializes the severity of the galamsey crisis.
“Dear Ghanaian, have you heard the new term ‘de-chemicalization’? It’s laughable, because it shifts focus away from the real issue and makes it seem less serious,” he wrote.
He contended that while authorities are busy debating technical jargon, illegal mining activities continue unabated, causing irreparable harm to the nation’s rivers, forests, and farmlands, all without meaningful action from leadership.
“Our failure to address the issue has been masked by misplaced priorities—emphasizing the trivial while neglecting what truly matters. This is a sign of weak thinking, driven by a desire to avoid responsibility,” he stated.
Prof. Abavare clarified that, in scientific terms, de-chemicalization refers to advanced water treatment methods designed to remove synthetic chemicals. However, he argued that the government’s focus on terminology rather than practical action reveals a lack of serious commitment to restoring Ghana’s damaged environment.
He further questioned the government’s political will to tackle the issue head-on, casting doubt on the President’s determination to put an end to illegal mining.
“Whether or not we can reclaim our fresh water bodies depends largely on the resolve of the President — and from my perspective, that resolve is lacking,” he said.
Prof. Abavare concluded by honouring the memory of those who lost their lives in the battle against galamsey, including Major Maxwell Mahama and eight other officials, calling on Ghanaians not to forget their sacrifice.
“Let the memory of Major Maxwell Mahama and the eight officials never fade. Kwame Ghana, rest well,” he ended.
