Joy News' Latif Iddrisu has been declared the Best Journalist for Environmental Reporting at the 22nd Awards Ceremony of the Ghana Journalists Association.

Latif won the award with his captivating story about the gun battle between Police officers and illegal miners whose Operation was causing damage to water sources in the eastern region of Ghana.

That gun battle resulted in the killing of three illegal miners and left a number of them injured.

Illegal mining is beginning to impact adversely Ghana's water sources and forest reserves.

The tepidity level of a number of potable water sources in Ghana is beginning to assume disturbing levels due to indiscriminate and speculative mining activities in Ghana.

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The journalist explained how the activities of the illegal miners could have a far-reaching impact on other water bodies if the state fails to act.

The story also revealed how the miners are making use of a new technology called "champhan".

A Chinese technology that allows mining to take place in water bodies, a development that until now, is unheard-of in the mining and extractive industry in Ghana.

The fear is that this technology could accelerate the potential damage to Ghana's waters in the coming years.

Additionally, Latif Iddrisu took home a Special award in recognition of his dedication and excellence in the area of mining.

In all, he picked up three awards on the night.