President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to leverage his moral authority and influence to support the national campaign against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. He said the Asantehene’s strong voice and moral leadership could inspire greater commitment and action in tackling the devastating effects of illegal mining on the environment, public health, and livelihoods across the country. Speaking at the 29th GJA Media Awards held at Manhyia in Kumasi, Mr Dwumfour underscored the indispensable role of both traditional and political leadership in safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources. He described the involvement of traditional rulers as “vital” in the collective effort to secure the nation’s future, emphasising that their voices must be heard and respected in environmental policy formulation and enforcement. Mr Dwumfour further urged traditional and political authorities to strengthen oversight and take decisive, lawful measures to curb environmental crimes and corruption that continue to undermine sustainable development. To enhance accountability, he called for the creation of robust legal frameworks that impose stricter and more clearly defined penalties for environmental offences. He also proposed the establishment of special courts dedicated to hearing galamsey-related cases to ensure swift justice and deterrence. The GJA President encouraged journalists to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting on environmental and governance issues, while upholding the safety and dignity of their sources, particularly those in affected communities. Reaffirming the Association’s commitment, Mr Dwumfour said the GJA stood ready to support “any just and lawful measures” aimed at protecting Ghana’s environment and strengthening its democratic institutions. He called for sustained collaboration among government, traditional leaders, civil society, and the media to rescue communities threatened by environmental degradation.
Time for decisive action
Mr Dwumfour also called on President John Dramani Mahama to issue a bold national policy statement reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to ending illegal mining once and for all. His appeal follows a violent attack on a joint Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inspection team and journalists at Dadwene, near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, on Thursday, November 6, 2025. The incident occurred during an EPA operation aimed at clamping down on unauthorised mining activities.
President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour
Mr. Dwumfour described the galamsey menace as a full-blown national security crisis, warning that illegal miners have become “bolder, more daring, and increasingly violent.” “Today, while we rejoice, we are equally sad because some of our colleagues are not here with us. They are in the hospital fighting for their lives after following EPA officials on a galamsey assignment,” he said in what he termed the “Manhyia Declaration.” Mr. Dwumfour also condemned the recent attack on the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) boss and his team at Hwidiem, describing it as “a direct assault on the authority of the state and the rule of law.” “The GJA demands that the Ghana Police Service brief the nation on the progress of the investigation and leave no stone unturned. Anything short of swift and firm justice will erode public confidence in the state’s ability to protect those who serve the national interest,” he said. He urged the government to act decisively and demonstrate genuine political will to end the galamsey scourge, noting that the time for half measures and rhetoric is long past. “The time to act decisively and send a clear message is now,” Mr. Dwumfour emphasised.