President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Eric Abavare, has criticised the government’s approach to tackling illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, describing recent policy directions as misplaced and lacking depth.
In a strongly worded Facebook post, Prof. Abavare mocked what he called the introduction of “new terminologies” like de-chemicalization, which he said downplays the seriousness of the galamsey problem.
“Dear Ghanaian, have you heard of the new terminology called de-chemicalization? It is funny because the core idea is being shifted to a point of trivialization,” he wrote.
He argued that while government officials seem focused on inventing and debating technical jargon, illegal miners continue to destroy Ghana’s rivers, forests, and farmlands without effective intervention.
“Our inability to solve the problem has been shrouded and made unmeaningful by ‘majoring’ the minor and ‘minoring’ the major. It is the weak mind which does this because it seeks to avoid being blamed,” he stated.
Prof. Abavare explained that in its proper scientific context, de-chemicalisation refers to specialized water purification processes that remove synthetic chemical pollutants.
However, he maintained that the government’s emphasis on terminology instead of tangible solutions highlights a lack of genuine commitment to restoring the country’s degraded environment.
He also cast doubt on the government’s political will to address the issue decisively, suggesting that the President lacks the determination needed to end illegal mining.
“As to whether or not we’ll succeed in getting our fresh streams and rivers back depends largely on the will of the President — which, from where I sit, he does not have,” he remarked.
Prof. Abavare concluded his post by invoking the memory of individuals who died in the fight against illegal mining, including Major Maxwell Mahama and other officials, urging Ghanaians to honour their sacrifice.
“May the thoughts of Major Maxwell Mahama and the eight officials never be so easily forgotten. Kwame Ghana, dayie,” he concluded.
Source : Adomonline
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