GJA President Urges Strict Enforcement of Mining Laws to Address Galamsey Crisis
President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called for a unified national effort to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
In a speech delivered at the 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards, he expressed profound concern over the alarming deterioration of Ghana’s once-pristine water bodies, which have turned a disturbing shade of brown due to the detrimental effects of galamsey operations.
Mr Dwumfour described the situation as “shameful” and applauded various stakeholders who have vocally condemned these destructive practices and urged immediate, decisive action to tackle the crisis.
He emphasized the urgent need for stringent enforcement of existing mining laws and regulations, insisting that offenders must face maximum penalties. His remarks highlighted a significant unfulfilled promise from the President, who had previously vowed to eradicate galamsey.
“We are aware that some time ago, Mr. President made a firm vow to stop galamsey, but regrettably, that promise has not been fulfilled. Mr. President, you have barely three months until the end of the administration, and we are hopeful that you will deal with the situation before you leave office,” Mr Dwumfour urged, reinforcing the gravity of the situation.
The GJA President also called for the declaration of a state of emergency concerning the country’s water bodies. He insisted that all planned and active mining concessions overlapping with river buffers should be revoked and that all mining activities within a 50-meter radius of rivers and streams should cease immediately.
Additionally, he advocated for the repeal of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which regulates mining activities, calling it insufficient to protect Ghana’s vital water resources.
In a bid to galvanize public support for the fight against galamsey, Mr Dwumfour urged the two leading presidential candidates to make firm commitments to this cause, thereby enabling citizens to hold them accountable once they assume office in 2025.
He also encouraged the media to prefix their reports with #STOPGALAMSEYNOW, underscoring the urgency and importance of raising awareness about the issue.
Touching on the recent arrests and detention of protesters opposing galamsey, Mr Dwumfour commending the Ghana Police Service for demonstrating professionalism and restraint during the three-day demonstration, however, criticized the decision to remand the protesters for two weeks, deeming it excessive and detrimental to the protection of human rights.
He joined calls for the immediate release of those detained, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to maintaining law and order while respecting citizens’ rights to freedom of expression.
In his address, Mr Dwumfour celebrated the GJA’s longstanding legacy of excellence, underscoring its critical role in shaping Ghana’s media landscape.
Over the decades, the association has been instrumental in holding leaders accountable, amplifying marginalized voices, and promoting ethical journalism practices.
He reiterated the GJA’s commitment to enhancing media literacy and supporting training initiatives for journalists, reinforcing the importance of maintaining high standards within the industry.
The 28th GJA Media Awards was held under the theme “75 Years of Excellence in Journalism: The Role of the Media in Democratic Governance and Elections,” highlighting the media’s pivotal role in fostering democratic principles and ensuring accountability in governance.
As the GJA continues to champion ethical journalism, Mr Dwumfour’s call to action serves as a crucial reminder of the media’s responsibility in advocating for social and environmental justice in Ghana.
