Lands Ministry condemns attack on journalist by illegal miners

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has condemned an attack on Citi News’ Western Regional Correspondent, Akwasi Agyei Annim while he was documenting activities of illegal miners in the Breman-Adomanya forest area of the Wassa Amenfi West District in the Western Region.

According to reports, Chinese and Ghanaian-led illegal gold miners have encroached upon a 261-acre tract within the Breman-Adomanya forest and have destructed timber, cocoa, and rubber plantations, as well as contaminated a nearby river, River Tano.

On Sunday, February 23, the journalist together with police escort visited the forest to stop the illegal miners but the journalist was attacked  by the illegal miners in the brazen presence of the police.

Reports say the assailants damaged the journalists’ equipment, verbally assaulted him and ordered him to delete all footages of the mining site before they could let him go.

Reacting to the attack in a statement on February 24, the Ministry said this is “utterly unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”

“It is with great concern and outrage that we address the recent attack on journalists from Citi News by illegal miners, commonly referred to as galamsey operators, in the Breman-Adomanya forest area of the Wassa Amenfi West District in the Western Region-destroying timber and cocoa trees, rubber farms, and polluting the nearby River Tano.

“The attack underscores the pervasive and destructive nature of illegal mining activities in our country,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry further commended the journalist for his bravery and dedication by risking his life to expose the damage to the forest reserve.

The Lands Ministry assured that persons responsible for the attack will be made to face justice.

“To the perpetrators of this attack, let this serve as a clear warning: the government will not tolerate such lawlessness. We will work closely with the security agencies to ensure that those responsible are apprehended and face the full rigors of the law,” the statement added.

According to the Ministry, the miners’ resort to violence and intimidation to protect their illicit activities “is a direct threat to the rule of law, the safety of citizens, and the freedom of the press, which is a cornerstone of our democracy.”

“As a Ministry, we reiterate the government’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal mining and protecting our natural resources,” the Head of the Public Relations of the Ministry, Ahmed Otabil noted.

He called for a collective effort in tackling illegal mining in the country.

“The attack on the Citi News team is a stark reminder of why we must collectively fight this menace. Illegal mining is not just an environmental issue; it is a national crisis that requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, including government agencies, traditional leaders, local communities, and the media.”

The post Lands Ministry condemns attack on journalist by illegal miners first appeared on 3News.

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