UTAG-KNUST president demands resignation of MPs allegedly involved in galamsey

The President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Eric Abavare, has called for the immediate resignation of two Members of Parliament allegedly linked to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.

According to a report by citinewsroom.com on Monday, November 3, 2025, Prof Abavare accused some politicians of being the real masterminds behind galamsey, describing the alleged conduct of the MPs as ‘a betrayal of public trust.’

He specifically mentioned the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, and Collins Dauda, the MP for Asutifi South, saying their alleged involvement had brought Parliament into disrepute.

Watch as police rescue 9 soldiers allegedly attacked by angry Ahafo Hwidiem youth

His comments follow reports that about 600 youth attacked a team of military officers from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) during an anti-galamsey operation.

The violent confrontation occurred after soldiers arrested two suspected illegal miners and seized vehicles and weapons at a mining site near Bronikrom–Hwediem in the Ahafo Region. The arrests reportedly triggered unrest among locals, forcing police to intervene to restore calm.

With the help of community leaders, officers from the Hwidiem Police Command managed to evacuate the besieged military team to Kenyase.

Reports indicate that the thugs were allegedly led by MP Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, prompting public outrage and renewed calls for accountability in the fight against illegal mining.

Prof Abavare said the alleged involvement of senior politicians in galamsey confirmed long-held suspicions that the menace is being fuelled by powerful figures who profit from environmental destruction while pretending to fight it.

“When we say galamsey is orchestrated and masterminded by older and powerful people, some disbelieve it. Here you are, the so-called Honourables of Parliament, clothed and fed by the poor who pay taxes to protect them through making laws, are themselves deeply behind this carnage,” he lamented.

He further urged Parliament and political parties to take decisive action to preserve their integrity and restore public confidence.

What we know about 2 NDC MP's links to threatening attack of soldiers over galamsey

“We now know who the wreckers and saboteurs are against Ghana’s progress. Those who are not yet caught should note that the hour will come, and we will certainly catch you. Therefore, stop the shameful act now,” he warned, the report added.

Prof Abavare also invoked the memory of Major Maxwell Mahama and other security officers who lost their lives in the fight against illegal mining, stressing that their sacrifices must not be in vain.

MRA/AE

Watch as police rescue 9 soldiers allegedly attacked by angry Ahafo Hwidiem youth: