Renowned investigative journalist Erastus Asare Donkor of JoyNews has been awarded the EELL Africa 2025 Environmental Heroes Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability and cultural preservation in Ghana.

The award was presented at a brief ceremony held at the British Council in Accra, where Mr. Donkor was celebrated for his exceptional leadership, steadfast dedication, and impactful journalism on some of Ghana’s most pressing environmental issues.

Organisers of the award praised his long-standing commitment to environmental advocacy, noting that his work has significantly advanced public awareness and policy discourse on illegal mining, climate change, and the destruction of critical ecosystems.

“Your extensive work as a multi-award-winning investigative environmental journalist further underscores your commitment to environmental advocacy. With over 12 years of experience, you have made significant contributions through impactful reporting on critical issues such as illegal mining and climate change in Ghana.

The initiative indicated that "your major works, including “Destruction for Gold”, which documents the devastating impact of illegal mining across Ghana; “Poisoned for Gold”, which investigates the detrimental effects of illegal mining on public health; and “Forests under Siege” (focusing on the degradation of the Apamprama Forest Reserve), exemplify your dedication to raising awareness and inspiring action.”

The award also reflects Mr. Donkor’s alignment with the theme of the upcoming EELL Africa 2025 conference: “Sustainable Futures: Bridging African Traditions with Modern Land Use in the Face of Corporatization.”

His work was described as critical in bridging the gap between modern development and the preservation of Africa’s cultural and natural heritage.

"We believe this recognition will further motivate your impactful initiatives, and we look forward to celebrating your achievements at this important event."

The Environmental Education and Lifelong Learning (EELL) initiative is a global conference series focused on sustainability, environmental education, and climate change.

The 2025 edition, to be held in Accra, is being organised by the Pan African Centre for Climate Policy (PACCPOLICY) and will examine corporate influence on Indigenous lands, Ghana’s climate action strategies, and sustainable land-use planning.

Organisers expressed hope that the award will inspire Mr. Donkor to continue his impactful reporting and further amplify the voices of communities affected by environmental injustices.