Professor Eric Abavare, President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has strongly criticised the public responses of Members of Parliament allegedly linked to illegal mining activities, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’
Speaking on the Frontline programme on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Prof. Abavare specifically described the statements issued by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, and MP Collins Dauda as disjointed and lacking credibility.
Prof. Abavare focused heavily on Collins Dauda, citing a viral video where the lawmaker allegedly made remarks that appeared to support illegal mining operations.
In a sharp critique of Mr. Dauda, the Professor asserted that the MP’s actions were unbecoming of his high office, particularly noting his significant roles as a Member of the Pan-African Parliament and Chairman of the Hajj Committee.
“I have stopped referring to him as an Honourable. He is unfit to continue as an MP,” Prof. Abavare stated. He accused the MP of attempting to “meddle in the affairs of our security agencies or obstruct their work,” emphasizing that as a lawmaker, Mr. Dauda is expected to set examples, not break the law. Consequently, Prof. Abavare called for the Majority Leader and the Speaker to “with immediate effect remove him,” concluding that the MP’s conduct was “a disgrace for Ghana.”
Turning to Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, Prof. Abavare also demanded his removal, dismissing his public statement as “nothing short of falsehoods, incoherent, inconsistent, and disjointed narration.”
The UTAG President contrasted the MP’s account with the “disturbing narration” provided by the Director of NAIMOS (National Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, presumably), who reportedly claimed the task force was nearly killed. Prof. Abavare concluded that Mr. Addo is “not deserving to serve in the legislative house.”
The Professor’s comments were made in reaction to the recent attack on a military taskforce deployed to the Asutifi South District, following reports of disturbances at a gold mining site in Hwidiem.
Prof. Abavare concluded by asserting that the alleged involvement of the two Members of Parliament validates long-held public suspicions that illegal mining operations are receiving sponsorship from powerful political figures and influential individuals.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana