Bold Advocacy: GJA Media Awards

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey 


The effects of illegal mining 


Illegal mining, or galamsey, continues to be one of the most pressing environmental and social issues in Ghana. 


As the devastation to water bodies and farmlands worsens, the fight against galamsey has become central to national conversations about the environment, governance, and human rights.


Protests 


In recent weeks, protests organized by the Democracy Hub against galamsey led to the arrest of around 40 demonstrators in Accra. 


One of the arrested protesters 


These protests were part of the broader #OccupyJulorbiHouse and #FreeTheCitizens campaigns aimed at calling attention to the severe environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.


28th GJA awards 


The 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, was not just a night of celebration and recognition but also a platform for bold advocacy, with President Nana Akufo-Addo in attendance, the event honoured journalists who have made significant contributions to Ghana’s media landscape. 


Fred Duhoe, a journalist of Channel One TV, made a powerful statement that captured the audience's attention when he was called to the stage to receive his award.


Fred Duhoe 


Duhoe took to the podium holding a placard that read, "Stop Galamsey Now." In a symbolic act of protest, he appeared with his mouth taped shut, silently emphasizing the urgency of his message.




This bold move sent a profound and timely message about the environmental crisis gripping the nation. 


Duhoe’s silent protest reflected the frustration many Ghanaians feel about the ongoing destruction of the environment due to galamsey. 


His action highlighted the growing call for stronger government action against the illegal practice, which continues to threaten Ghana’s natural resources and the livelihoods of its people.


By using the awards platform to make such a public statement, Duhoe reinforced the role of journalists not only as storytellers but as advocates for change. 


His act of defiance was a reminder to those in power of the critical issues facing the nation and the importance of addressing them urgently.


GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour 


Echoing Fred Duhoe's message, The GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour reiterated the GJA's position on galamsey and called for a total and immediate ban on illegal mining, urging the government to declare a state of emergency over water bodies affected by galamsey.


"It saddens me to see once-clean water bodies turn dark brown because of galamsey," Dwumfour lamented, he further called for all mining activities within 50 meters of rivers and streams to be halted immediately, and for Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which governs small-scale mining, to be repealed.


Addressing President Akufo-Addo directly, Dwumfour remarked, "Mr. President, you have barely three months until the end of the administration, and we are hopeful that you will deal with the situation before you leave office."


Dwumfour condemned the two-week remand of the demonstrators, calling it "too extreme" and a violation of their rights to protest.


"We believe the remanding of the protesters is excessive," Dwumfour said, commending the Ghana Police Service for their professionalism during the demonstrations but criticizing the harshness of the legal response. 


"The GJA supports calls for the immediate release of the demonstrators," he stated, drawing applause from the audience.




The GJA Media Awards, while recognizing journalistic excellence, became a stage for strong advocacy against galamsey and the voices of Albert Dwumfour and Fred Duhoe amplified the public’s concern about the future of Ghana’s environment. 


As the government faces increasing pressure from civil society, journalists, and activists, the question remains whether these calls for action will finally lead to decisive measures against illegal mining in the country.


In an atmosphere charged with anticipation, the need for meaningful reform is clear: the environment and the people of Ghana cannot afford further delay.

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