The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has praised President John Dramani Mahama for what it describes as a commendable performance during his first 120 days in office.
However, the union has also voiced concern about the government’s ineffective approach to tackling illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Similar concerns have been echoed by residents of Kumasi, who have acknowledged the president’s efforts while urging stronger action against illegal mining.
With the first 120 days of his presidency now complete, UTAG-KNUST President, Prof. Eric Abavare, in an interview with Citi News expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, noting that the government’s early achievements offer hope for improved living conditions.
Prof. Abavare, however, lamented the lack of significant progress in the fight against illegal mining, describing it as a major area of concern.
“For the galamsey if I should rate the performance of the administration, peharps I may not give them up to 10%. The government has done abysmally poor. We have Prof. Frimpong Boateng’s report which contains all the information so if the minister, Hon Armah-Kofi Buah wants to fight as he claims, then nothing prevents him to take that report and work with it,” he stated.
Meanwhile, some residents shared similar views—praising the president’s initial performance but calling for intensified efforts to curb illegal mining.
“I think so far so good and I think it is because he has experienced it before. This time he is careful and he is trying to do what Ghanaians want,” Gabriel Owusu stated.
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