The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has urged the government to release individuals who were recently arrested in Accra for protesting against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour while commending the Ghana Police Service for their professionalism during the demonstrations, criticised the decision to remand the protesters for two weeks, calling it "too extreme" and a negative signal regarding human rights protections.

He was speaking at the 28^th GJA Media Awards ceremony on Saturday night at the Accra International Conference Centre, attended by President Akufo-Addo and a host of other dignitaries.

"We believe the remanding of the protesters is excessive," Dwumfour stated, adding that the GJA supports calls for the immediate release of the demonstrators.

The Democracy Hub-led protests which took place over three days, highlighted the devastating impact of galamsey on the environment, particularly on water bodies. About 40 of the demonstrators were arrested for alleged public order infractions and have been remanded for two weeks.

The GJA President emphasised that while law enforcement must maintain order, the rights of citizens to demonstrate and express their concerns should be respected.

Read also: 39 Democracy Hub protestors remanded, cases adjourned to October 8th and 11th

Ban Galamsey now

Albert Dwumfour also renewed the call for a total and immediate ban on illegal mining due to its devastating effects on Ghana's environment.

He urged the government to take a decisive action against galamsey, including the declaration of a state of emergency over affected water bodies and the enforcement of mining regulations.

"It saddens me to see once-clean water bodies turn dark brown because of galamsey," Dwumfour said.

He also reiterated the need for mining activities within 50 metres of rivers and streams to be halted immediately and advocated for the repeal of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which governs small-scale mining in the country.

Dwumfour further called on political leaders, particularly the two leading presidential candidates, to make firm commitments in their 2024 campaigns to eradicate galamsey.

“We are aware that some time ago, Mr. President made a firm vow to stop galamsey, but regrettably, that promise has not been fulfilled. 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.

“Naa chairman, we still maintain that a state of emergency must be declared over our water bodies and all planned and active mining concessions overlapping with river buffers should be abrogated and all mining activities within 50 meters buffer of all rivers and streams should be halted with immediate effect. We also reiterate that LI 2462 should be repealed immediately.”

The Multimedia Group swept nine awards at the ceremony- Illegal Mining, Photojournalism, Best Radio Programme (English), Best Feature (Online), Science & Technology, Best Documentary (Tv), Best Tv Programme (English), Best Sports Reporter, and Best Student Journalist, while Edward Adeti of Media Without Borders was crowned GJA Journalist of the Year 2023.