The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to issue a bold policy statement — the “Manhyia Declaration” — to signify Ghana’s renewed commitment to eradicating illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Speaking at the 29th Annual GJA Media Awards held for the first time outside Accra, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Mr. Dwumfour described galamsey as a national security threat that must be tackled decisively. He condemned recent violent attacks on the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), describing them as “a grave affront to the authority of the state and the rule of law.”
“The time to act decisively and to send a clear message that impunity will not be tolerated is now,” he declared, urging the Ghana Police Service to swiftly investigate and prosecute those behind the attacks.
The GJA President also commended President Mahama for engaging civil society in the fight against galamsey but insisted that more decisive action was required. He proposed that funds recovered from mismanagement, as cited in the Auditor-General’s report, be redirected to strengthen anti-galamsey operations and support journalists reporting from affected areas.
Mr. Dwumfour praised the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his consistent and courageous stand against illegal mining, urging him to continue insisting on being consulted before mining leases are granted within Asanteman.
He also lauded the collaboration between the Ghana Police Service and journalists, as well as traditional leaders’ role in promoting peace and security across the country. The GJA, he said, will continue to advocate for peace, human rights, and national cohesion.
The ceremony, attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin, Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, and the Asantehene, honoured 29 journalists and seven media institutions for excellence in various categories. Top award winners will embark on a sponsored trip to Turkey courtesy of the Turkish Embassy and Turkish Airlines.
Mr. Dwumfour concluded by urging journalists to remain fearless in the face of adversity. “Our mission is to rescue the perishing and care for the dying, and attacks will not deter us from carrying that cross,” he said.
