The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called on journalists to strengthen their watchdog role in combating illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking at the opening of a three-day capacity-building workshop organised by the Ghana Chamber of Mines in Kumasi, Mr Dwumfour expressed concern over the persistent destruction of water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands caused by illegal mining.

He lamented that successive governments had failed to demonstrate the political will necessary to address the menace.

“Galamsey is no longer just a threat to individual well-being but a national security threat. Chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, and deformities in children are all linked to galamsey and the use of harmful chemicals in certain operations,” he warned.

Mr Dwumfour urged journalists to “dig deeper” and hold duty bearers accountable, emphasising that the media must go beyond highlighting the negatives to advocating for responsible mining practices and prudent use of mining revenues.

“The question is, when will Ghana see an end to this menace? We have a huge role to play as journalists. Colleagues, whilst it’s easy to focus on the negative, it’s our responsibility to push duty bearers to root out illegal mining and ensure that revenues earned from mining are used judiciously for the benefit of the people, who are the real owners of the nation’s minerals,” he said.

He added, “We must understand the intricacies of mining policy, the economic benefits, and the innovative solutions being explored to make mining sustainable and environmentally friendly.”