GJA Urges Immediate Action Against Illegal Mining in Ghana

Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), calls for decisive government action against illegal mining at a recent news conference. He stresses the need for strict enforcement of mining laws, accountability from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the critical role of media in promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage.

Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has unequivocally expressed the association’s disapproval of illegal mining and called for urgent governmental action to resolve this issue. At a news conference at the Ghana International Press Centre on March 13, 2025, he stressed the necessity for rigorous enforcement of mining regulations while requesting that journalists contribute to the preservation of Ghana’s cultural legacy.

During his address, Mr. Dwumfour highlighted the severe impacts of illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey, which is eroding vital resources such as forest reserves, water bodies, and agricultural lands. He noted that the fabric of law and order in mining communities is deteriorating, leading to human rights violations and unlawful land dispossessions, with local authorities appearing impotent in the face of this crisis.

He acknowledged the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for its efforts to combat illegal mining and called for ongoing vigilance in these endeavors. Dwumfour emphasized the importance of holding the Ministry accountable in its commitments to monitoring and curtailing illegal mining activities, reiterating the GJA’s intent to support these initiatives.

Furthermore, he welcomed President John Dramani Mahama’s pledges to address illegal mining and affirmed the GJA’s willingness to assist the government in this critical fight. The GJA President urged, “Mr. President, the time to act is NOW!!!” and expressed hope that the President would remain steadfast in his resolve to eliminate illegal mining in the nation.

In addition, Mr. Dwumfour underscored the importance of March as Ghana’s National Heritage Month. He urged media professionals to leverage their platforms to promote the country’s rich cultural identity. He asserted the media’s crucial role in shaping national identity and called for concerted efforts to educate the public on Ghana’s heritage, emphasizing it as a collective responsibility to safeguard it.

The Ghana Journalists Association, led by Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has firmly called for immediate governmental action against illegal mining activities in Ghana. Highlighting the detrimental effects of galamsey on the environment and local communities, the GJA expresses its commitment to supporting governmental efforts to combat this issue, while also emphasizing the significance of media in promoting national heritage.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com