By Eric Appah Marfo
Accra, Jan. 27, GNA — The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned the recent violent clash between soldiers and illegal miners in Obuasi, which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals.
The Association has also expressed heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and called on all parties involved to adopt peaceful and constructive solutions to the issues surrounding illegal mining.
At a press conference in Accra, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the GJA, expressed deep concern over the incident and urged immediate action to prevent similar violence in the future.
He reaffirmed the Association’s dedication to upholding human rights and advocating for justice, in accordance with its constitutional mandate.
“We express deep concern about the violent clash between soldiers and illegal miners in Obuasi last Saturday, which led to the death of seven people. Inasmuch as we do not condone illegality, we think there should be better ways of engagement among the parties to resolve concerns,” he said.
Mr. Dwumfour urged AngloGold Ashanti, the Military High Command, and other relevant stakeholders to work closely with the local community to establish effective dialogue mechanisms that could foster mutual understanding and peace.
“We call on AngloGold Ashanti and the Military High Command to initiate proactive and productive means of engagement with the communities in the operation area of the mining company.”
The GJA also urged members of the affected community to remain calm and exercise restraint during these challenging times.
The association encouraged the community to seek redress for their grievances through legal and peaceful means.
“We also urge the community members to be calm and exercise maximum restraint in the circumstances. We urge them to use peaceful means to seek redress to their grievances rather than resorting to violence. Need we affirm that violence can never win?” he said.
The Association renewed its call for the government to take decisive steps to end the menace of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
“We also want to add our voice to the many voices and calls on the President to as a matter of urgency end this galamsey menace,” it said.
Mr. Dwumfour addressed reports of a video circulating on social media in which Blessed Godsbrain Smart, also known as “Captain Smart” from Onua TV/FM, allegedly encouraged the youth of Obuasi to invade the AngloGold Ashanti Mines’ concession and engage in illegal mining to make a living.
While the President clarified that the video was from before 2025, he still condemned its content, calling it “vile, repugnant, malicious, outrageous, and lawless.”
The GJA reminded media practitioners of the importance of balancing press freedom with professional responsibility, emphasizing that the media must always serve as a force for good, rather than promoting harm or destruction.
In addition to condemning the Obuasi incident, the GJA expressed solidarity with media practitioners who have faced harm or threats while performing their duties.
The Association specifically extended its well wishes to Kofi Adomah, a journalist with Angel Broadcasting Network and CEO of Kofi TV, wishing him a speedy recovery following his recent ordeal.
“We stand in solidarity with all media practitioners who have suffered harm in the line of duty. Your safety and well-being remain a top priority for the GJA, and we will continue to advocate for measures to protect journalists,” Mr. Dwumfour assured.
The GJA President called for unity within the media fraternity, urging all practitioners to work together to safeguard press freedom and contribute to national development.
“Now more than ever, we need a united front to defend the independence and freedom of the media. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to professionalism, responsibility, and the pursuit of truth,” he said.
GNA