President Akufo-Addo at the 2024 National Honours and Awards Ceremony, has conferred the prestigious Order of the Volta (Membership) Award on JoyNews’ Erastus Asare Donkor, for his outstanding contributions to the nation through his fearless and dedicated journalism. The award, the second highest honour in the country, was bestowed upon Mr Asare Donkor in recognition of his tireless efforts to expose the destructive activities of illegal miners and his unwavering commitment to championing the fight against environmental degradation. Through his investigative reporting, Erastus Asare Donkor has been at the forefront of the campaign against galamsey, a term used to describe the illegal mining activities that have ravaged the country's natural resources and polluted its water bodies.
Through his reports, he has brought attention to the devastating impact of galamsey on the environment and human health. The Order of the Volta, Ghana's second highest honour, is conferred on individuals who have significantly contributed to the country's development. Mr Asare Donkor’s award is a testament to the impact of his work and a recognition of the critical role that journalism plays in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, Ministers of State, and other high-ranking citizens and government officials. President Akufo-Addo, in his citation, praised Mr Asare Donkor for his dedication to the cause. Erastus Asare Donkor expressed his appreciation to the President and dedicated the award to his team.