By Gladys Abakah
Takoradi, Feb. 26, GNA – The Ghana Journalist Association (GJA), Western Region Chapter, has condemned the recent attack on the Western Regional correspondents of Citi News, Angel TV and ABC News/Despite Media by illegal miners operating in the Breman-Adomanya forest area in the Western Region.
The Association said the violence against the journalists was not only affecting press freedom but was a direct threat to Ghana’s democracy and environmental sustainability.
In a statement signed by Mr Desmond Cudjoe, the GJA Western Region Chairman, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the fearless investigation and report by the journalists, revealed the alarming encroachment of ‘galamsey’ operators into protected forest reserves.
It said a crisis further compounded by assailants’ brazen destruction of reporting equipment and attempts to suppress the truth.
The statement indicated that the work of the journalists underscored the vital role of the media in holding power to account and safeguarding public interest.
“We urge authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice and intensify efforts to combat illegal mining which continues to devastate communities, ecosystem and livelihoods,” it stated.
The statement further said, the GJA commends the victims, Mr Akwasi Agyei Annim, Mr Henry Emil Fynn and Mr Jacob Adu-Baah for their extraordinary bravery and commitment to ethical journalism.
The Association, called the on the government to prioritise the safety of journalists and ensure their unfettered access to report on issues of public concern adding that “Silence in the face of such attacks enables impunity and erodes the foundation of our democracy”.
The statement reaffirmed the GJA’s commitment to defending press freedom and supporting journalists who courageously spoke truth to power and urged all media stakeholders and civil society to unite in condemning violence against the press and demand urgent action to end the galamsey menace.
GNA