The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has renewed its call on the government to take decisive action against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
At a press conference held at the Ghana International Press Centre on Thursday, March 13, 2025, the President of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, emphasized the need for urgent action to address the menace.
According to Albert Dwumfour, the GJA has been vocal about the issue of galamsey, which has devastating effects on the environment, water bodies, and farmlands.
He noted that despite the association’s efforts to highlight the issue, the problem persists, with impunity reigning supreme in mining communities.
Dwumfour cited a recent attack on three journalists in the Western Region, who were brutally assaulted by galamsey operators while covering the destruction of the Breman Adomanya Forest.
The journalists, Theophilus Akwasi Agyei Annim of Citi FM/Channel One TV, Henry Emil Fynn of Angel TV, and Jacob Adu-Baah of ABC News/Rok FM, suffered severe bodily harm and damage to their equipment.
The GJA has condemned the attack and demanded full justice for the affected journalists.
Albert Dwumfour called on the police and the court to ensure that the suspects face the full force of the law and that the victims are adequately compensated.
In addition to the attack on journalists, Dwumfour also expressed concern about the closure of the Esewani Community Radio Station by the Kade District Court.
The court granted an interim injunction ex parte, directing the radio station to cease operation until the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assesses its noise permissible levels.
The GJA disagreed with the court’s decision, arguing that it erred in law by granting the order without demonstrating that the level of noise pollution generated by the radio station is above the permissible level.
Albert Dwumfour urged the management of the radio station to take legal steps to quash the interim injunction.
The GJA President also commended the National Security Coordinator, DCOP Abdul-Razak Osman, for his commitment to ensuring the safety of journalists.
He noted that the association’s recent engagement with the Coordinator is reassuring in their efforts to end attacks on journalists and fight against galamsey.
Albert Dwumfour called on the government to take immediate action to address the issue of galamsey, which has become a national concern.
He emphasized the need for strict enforcement of mining laws and regulations, as well as the imposition of maximum sentences on offenders.
The GJA has pledged to continue highlighting the issue of galamsey until the menace is eliminated.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
