In an interview today 12th October, 2024 on ChannelOne TV, Professor Eric Abavare, president of KNUST University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), did not hold back his criticism of President Akufo-Addo\u2019s performance in addressing the galamsey (illegal mining) crisis. During the interview, Professor Abavare referred to the President as a “joker,” a term that drew reactions from many, especially members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).<\/p>\n
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Professor Abavare, however, defended his description of the President, emphasizing that it was based on the President\u2019s track record in tackling the illegal mining menace. “I want my government to succeed, and if my government succeeds, my country succeeds. If my country succeeds, it means I would have succeeded,” he explained, clarifying that his criticism stems from his desire to see genuine progress.<\/p>\n
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Drawing an analogy to the academic grading system, Professor Abavare highlighted the abysmal results of the government’s fight against illegal mining, citing reports that indicate that less than 1% of lands affected by galamsey have been reclaimed. “If you get less than 1% on land reclamation, in any examination, we would say you\u2019ve failed. In university, we accept 40% as a pass. So if I took the President to an exam on galamsey and he scored less than 1%, and I describe him as a joker, is that out of the blue?” he argued. Watch the video below<\/p>\n