The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to actively involve the media in the national framework designed to combat illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’.
Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the GJA, expressed regret over the absence of the media in the Government’s interventions aimed at tackling the menace.
“The media are currently missing from the Government’s interventions to tackle the problem,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, the GJA President highlighted the consistent and crucial role the media played in exposing the devastating impact of ‘galamsey’ on Ghana’s lands and water bodies, detrimental to human lives.
He noted that the GJA had, for years, recognised and encouraged such reporting through a dedicated award category.
He emphasised the need for the Ministry to collaborate with the GJA to develop concrete strategies that would enable the media to play a greater and more impactful role in the anti-‘galamsey’ efforts.
“This includes ensuring the protection of journalists working in mining areas and facilitating their work to enable them to discharge their duties without hindrance, fear, or threats to their lives,” Mr Dwumfour said.
He stressed the need to resource the media to enhance their ability to effectively report on ‘galamsey’ activities, including raising public awareness and holding perpetrators accountable, all geared towards supporting the government’s efforts to eradicate the menace.
He indicated the Association’s intention to engage the Minister soon to discuss the matter and propose concrete media inclusion methods in the anti-galamsey framework.
By Issah Mohammed/ Jibril Abdul Mumuni, GNA.
