GJA Demands Full Justice for the Three Journalists Attacked

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned the brutal assault on three journalists in the Western Region and is demanding full justice for the victims.

The attack, which occurred on February 21, 2025 was perpetrated by illegal small-scale miners (galamsey operators) while the journalists were covering the destruction of the Breman Adomanya Forest.

The victims – Theophilus Akwasi Agyei Annim of Citi FM/Channel One TV, Henry Emil Fynn of Angel TV and Jacob Adu-Baah of ABC News/Rok FM – suffered severe bodily harm and their equipment was damaged during the assault.

Addressing a news conference in Accra last week, the President of GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour labeled the attack as “barbaric” and called for swift legal action.

“The Police and the court must ensure that the suspects in this dastardly act face the full force of the law and that the victims are adequately compensated,” he stated.

The President of GJA further urged the authorities to transfer the case from Asankragwa to Sekondi, the regional capital, to allow the victims to safely participate in court proceedings.

“Given the poise of the galamsey operators to cause more harm, it is not advisable for the victims to be going to Asankragwa for court sittings,” he explained.

The GJA also demanded that the police facilitate the transfer of compensation funds – lodged by the suspects for the damaged equipment – to the victims without requiring them to travel to Asankragwa, citing security concerns.

The association commended the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for its commitment to addressing illegal mining and supporting journalists in their work.

However, Mr. Dwumfour cautioned against complacency, stating, “We entreat the Ministry not to relent on its efforts to end galamsey, as the GJA will be monitoring its actions and inactions towards this fight.”

He further reiterated its firm stance against illegal mining. The association emphasized the ongoing destruction of Ghana’s forest reserves, water bodies, and farmlands due to galamsey activities. “Our decentralized administrative arms of government and traditional authorities seem helpless in the face of this recklessness,” Dwumfour lamented.

The GJA welcomed President John Mahama’s assurances to tackle galamsey and urged him to honour his commitment.

“Mr. President, the time to act is NOW!” Mr. Dwumfour declared, calling for stricter enforcement of mining laws and maximum sentences for offenders.

He also encouraged the media to keep the spotlight on illegal mining. “We will not stop highlighting the issues until galamsey stops. #STOPGALAMSEYNOW,” he affirmed.

He also raised concerns over media freedom, citing the recent court-ordered shutdown of Esewani Community Radio in the Eastern Region.

The Kade District Court issued an interim injunction following complaints from local chiefs about excessive noise pollution.

While respecting the court’s authority, Mr. Dwumfour argued that the ruling was flawed.

“The Plaintiffs did not demonstrate that the noise level exceeded permissible limits. How can the Environmental Protection Agency assess the station’s noise level when it has been shut down?” he questioned.

He has urged the station’s management to challenge the injunction and called on the Chief Justice to take an interest in the case. “This decision offends the letter and spirit of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees media freedom. We intend to petition the Chief Justice accordingly,” Dwumfour announced.

He also commended National Security Coordinator Abdul-Razak Osman for showing commitment to journalist safety. “Our engagement with him has been reassuring in our efforts to end attacks on journalists and fight against galamsey,” he noted.

In addition to journalist safety and media freedom, the GJA raised concerns about poor street lighting in Ghana’s major cities, calling on the Department of Urban Roads and the Ghana Highway Authority to take urgent action. “The absence of streetlights fuels criminal activities and poses a serious threat to life,” Mr. Dwumfour warned.

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