Albert Kwabena Dwumfou
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has reiterated the need for the implementation of decisive policies to curb the growing menace of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey which has escalated over the past months.
In this regard, the Association has urged President John Dramani Mahama to issue a bold and irreversible national policy statement dubbed the “Manhyia Declaration” to tackle the galamsey menace permanently.
GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, made the suggestion during the 29th GJA Media Awards held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi under the patronage of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
According to him, the proposed ‘Manhyia Declaration’ should serve as a turning point and a national commitment that binds every stakeholder, from government to traditional authorities, media, civil society, and ordinary citizens, to eradicate illegal mining and protect the country’s environment.
Held under the theme, “Safeguarding Ghana’s Future: The Role of the Media in Promoting Peace, Security and the Fight Against Galamsey,” the event brought together the President, John Mahama, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, and the Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
This is the first time heads of all three arms of government have attended a GJA event simultaneously.
Mr. Dwumfour emphasised that galamsey is no longer an environmental issue but a national security threat, with illegal miners growing bolder, better armed, and increasingly violent.
“The happenings are chilling. These galamsey criminals are becoming bolder, more brutal, and better organised — operating like gangs of terrorists. We must wake up as a nation before it is too late,” he warned.
Mr. Dwumfour used the occasion to condemn recent attacks on members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) by armed men posing as security officers, describing it as a grave affront to the authority of the state and the rule of law.
“Anything short of swift and firm justice will embolden lawlessness and erode public confidence in the state’s ability to protect those who serve the national interest,” he indicated.
The GJA President also used the occasion to sympathise with a group of journalists injured while accompanying Environment Protection Authority (EPA) officers on an anti-galamsey operation.
Mr. Dwumfour praised the Asantehene, describing him as “a national moral compass who has defended Asanteman’s lands with honour.”
A Daily Guide Report