A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Physics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Eric Kwabena Kyeh Abavare, has joined the ongoing national debate on illegal mining popularly known as galamsey, accusing public officials of hypocrisy and weak leadership in addressing the crisis.
Prof. Abavare expressed disappointment over recent comments by Mary Awusi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, who reportedly attacked Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, against speaking on the galamsey issue.
According to the lecturer, the remarks directed at the cleric were unjustified, insisting that Apostle Nyamekye merely highlighted the harsh realities caused by illegal mining.
He referenced concerns raised by the church leader that polluted river bodies have become too turbid for baptismal activities—an indication of the environmental damage caused by galamsey.
Describing the criticism of the cleric as an “affront” to Ghanaians, Prof. Abavare argued that religious leaders have every right to speak on national issues, particularly when they affect communities and the environment.
He further called for the removal of Dr. Awusi from her position, describing her comments as inappropriate and out of touch with public expectations.
“I was surprised to hear Madam Dr. Mary Awusi warn the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost not to speak about galamsey in Ghana, saying he is not a politician and that she did not see anything wrong with how galamsey was handled during the previous administration,” he said.
“I have also listened to the purported tape of the man of God’s admonition. He did nothing wrong by stating the facts about the effects of galamsey, including that the church can no longer carry out baptismal activities in our river bodies due to high turbidity levels. I was disappointed in Dr. Awusi’s attack. She does not deserve the position she is holding, and I suggest that the President relieve her,” he added.
The academic also questioned the pace of the government’s fight against illegal mining, describing progress as “slow and ineffective.” He challenged authorities to provide measurable data, such as current turbidity levels of water bodies compared to previous administrations, to justify their performance.
Touching on broader political accountability, Prof. Abavare suggested that public frustration over galamsey has influenced electoral outcomes, stressing that Ghanaians expect decisive action from current leadership.
He also criticised Samuel Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram and Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, accusing him of inconsistency in his public positions on national issues.
“Her comments amount to similar behaviour by Hon. Sam George, who spoke vehemently against LGBTQ+ issues while in opposition but has now gone quiet. This is hypocrisy. He should not back down on the DStv matter if he wants Ghanaians to take him seriously. Talk is cheap. He must match his words with action,” he stated.
Prof. Abavare maintained that public officials must align their rhetoric with action to retain credibility.
He concluded on a solemn note, urging the nation not to forget individuals who have lost their lives in the fight against illegal mining.
His comments add to the growing public discourse on galamsey, which continues to dominate national conversation due to its environmental, economic, and social impact.
By 1960news.com
