The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called on journalists across the country to strengthen their watchdog role in the ongoing national fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day capacity-building workshop organised by the Ghana Chamber of Mines in Kumasi, Mr Dwumfour expressed deep concern over the persistent destruction of water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands caused by illegal mining activities. He stressed that despite years of public outcry, successive governments had failed to demonstrate the political will required to end the menace.
“Galamsey is no longer just a threat to individual well-being but a national security threat. Chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, and deformities in children are all linked to galamsey and the use of harmful chemicals in certain operations,” he warned.
Mr Dwumfour urged journalists to “dig deeper” in their work, hold duty bearers accountable, and go beyond merely highlighting the negative consequences of illegal mining. He emphasised that the media must also play an advocacy role by pushing for responsible mining practices and the prudent use of mining revenues.
“The question is, when will Ghana see an end to this menace? We have a huge role to play as journalists. Colleagues, whilst it’s easy to focus on the negative, it’s our responsibility to push duty bearers to root out illegal mining and ensure that revenues earned from mining are used judiciously for the benefit of the people, who are the real owners of the nation’s minerals,” he said.
The GJA president also called for increased capacity within the media fraternity to better understand the complexities of the mining industry. He pointed out that journalists must be well-informed on mining policies, the potential economic benefits, and innovative solutions currently being explored to make mining sustainable and environmentally friendly.
He concluded by stressing that the role of the media in shaping national discourse around mining cannot be underestimated, and that only through committed, consistent, and professional reporting can the nation hope to overcome the challenges posed by illegal mining.
