The Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, has called on journalists to step up and hold public officials accountable in the ongoing battle against illegal mining activities.

He emphasised that media professionals should move from being passive observers to active participants, ensuring that transparency and accountability are prioritized in the fight against galamsey.

Dr Ashigbey made these remarks following Organised Labour's decision to suspend its planned industrial action.

The suspension was based on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s assurances regarding the government’s commitment to safeguarding water bodies and forest reserves from the detrimental effects of illegal mining.

In an interview with Channel One TV on Wednesday, October 9, Dr. Ashigbey stressed the vital role of the media in this issue.

He pointed out that journalists possess the power to influence public perception and can play a key role in demanding accountability from duty-bearers.

He specifically urged the press to insist on clear timelines for the government’s anti-galamsey initiatives, as well as to monitor and report on the progress of these measures.

This proactive approach, he argued, is essential for ensuring that the government follows through on its commitments to combat illegal mining.

“Our focus should be on all duty bearers to make sure that we’re getting this thing done…Now that we have been told of a few things that are going to happen, the struggles even begin to get those things done.

"Aluta continua, Aluta begins at this moment, so we need to tell the media that they shouldn’t lose their focus. Our fight was not on labour, our fight was on galamsey, our fight was to get galamsey resolved."

“Now that we have been given some things, we need to be asking for some details, the devil is in the detail. And the only way we could do it is to act as citizens and not spectators," he urged.