The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has urged the government to implement stronger safety measures for reporters working in mining regions, especially those investigating illegal mining operations.
Speaking at a press conference on April 23, 2025, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour emphasized the growing risks journalists face while covering environmentally sensitive stories.
Dwumfour acknowledged progress made by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in combating illegal mining, praising Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah’s demonstrated commitment. However, he called for more robust action, including revising legislation that permits mining in forest reserves and considering emergency measures for heavily impacted areas.
The GJA president specifically highlighted journalists’ vulnerability when reporting from mining sites. “We demand protection for journalists and facilitation of their work in mining fields to enable them to discharge their duties without hindrance, fear, or threats to their lives,” Dwumfour stated. He proposed collaboration between the ministry and media professionals to strengthen reporting on environmental degradation caused by illegal mining.
For years, the GJA has maintained special awards recognizing excellence in galamsey reporting, underscoring the media’s consistent role in exposing environmental crimes. Dwumfour commended journalists who continue this dangerous work, vowing that the association would persist in its advocacy until illegal mining is eradicated.
This appeal comes amid increasing concerns about press freedom in Ghana’s extractive industries, where reporters often face intimidation. The GJA’s position reflects broader challenges in environmental journalism, where the pursuit of accountability frequently intersects with powerful economic interests. As Ghana continues its fight against illegal mining, the protection of journalists covering these issues may prove critical to ensuring transparency in natural resource management.
