By Emmanuel Gamson
Takoradi, Sept. 08, GNA – Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has underscored the need for the media to continue to shine light on illegal mining (galamsey) activities and the networks that facilitate them.
According to him, the media’s role in the country’s natural resource governance remained crucial.
Consequently, media practitioners must continue to expose illegal activities, regulatory failures, conflicts of interest, environmental violations, and the misuse of public resources.
He said this in a speech read on his behalf at the Western Region Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) 2026 Media/ Corporate Social Impact (CSI) Awards ceremony.
The event, held in Takoradi, was on the theme: “Reporting Progress, Investing in People.”
It was to honour journalists whose work had shaped public discourse, influenced policy, promoted transparency and documented the development journey of the region.
It was also to recognise corporate institutions whose investments and social interventions continued to transform communities and improve lives across the region.
Mr Buah noted that the media had a critical role in the fight against illegal mining, adding that the menace was not simply an environmental issue, but was an economic, social, governance, and national-security threat.
He said: “The destruction of forests and water bodies, the degradation of farmlands and the use of harmful chemicals can impose enormous costs on the country.
“But while doing so, journalists must avoid sensationalism and ensure that their reports are based on verified information.”
That, the Lands Minister said, would create a more balanced national conversation and allowed citizens to assess what was working and what needed improvement.
Mr Buah asked journalists to be responsible when reporting on issues in the extractive sector, promote transparency, and translate complex issues into information that citizens could understand without distorting facts.
“As Ghana moves towards greater value addition, responsible mining, environmental restoration and stronger natural resource governance, the media must remain at the centre of the national conversation.
“Let us use journalism to promote transparency rather than suspicion, evidence rather than rumours, accountability rather than impunity, and sustainable development rather than short-term exploitation,” he added.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Emmanuel Gamson
Reporter’s email address: [email protected]