President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called on President John Mahama to take a firm and irreversible stance on the fight against illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.

Speaking at the 29th GJA Awards held for the first time in the Ashanti Region and hosted by His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Mr. Dwumfour commended the President for his efforts in addressing the menace.

However, he stressed that much more needs to be done, as illegal miners continue to be emboldened, posing a serious threat to the country’s environment and the future of generations yet unborn.

“Mr. President, the time has come for a bold symbolic step, one that communicates to Ghanaians and to the world that this government is fully committed to winning the war against galamsey. Mr. President, consider issuing a policy statement to mark a renewed and irreversible national resolve to defeat galamsey once and for all,” he urged.

The prestigious awards ceremony brought together the President of the Republic, the Acting Chief Justice, the Inspector General of Police, the Ashanti Regional Minister, traditional leaders, and journalists from across the country.

Addressing the growing challenges of galamsey, Mr. Dwumfour expressed deep concern over recent attacks on journalists covering illegal mining activities.

He cited the case of journalists who were assaulted during a galamsey-related incident and are currently receiving treatment, one at the Afari Community Hospital and another referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

“This outrageous act is not only a direct assault on the hard-working officers leading the fight against the destructive menace of illegal mining but also a great affront to the authority of the state and the rule of law. It is an attack on Ghana’s collective resolve to protect its environment, preserve its national heritage, and secure the future of generations yet unborn,” he stated.

Mr. Dwumfour further demanded that the Ghana Police Service update the nation on investigations into the recent attack on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforcement officers during a galamsey altercation at Nyinahin.

“The GJA demands that the Ghana Police Service brief the nation on the progress of investigations and leave no stone unturned in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting all those responsible. We demand that briefing in the coming week. Anything short of swift and firm justice will embolden lawlessness and erode public confidence in the state’s ability to protect those who serve the national interest,” he asserted.

The GJA President concluded by emphasising the urgent need for decisive action, urging national authorities to send a strong message that impunity and environmental destruction will no longer be tolerated.