President John Dramani Mahama said he has directed the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, to cover the medical expenses of journalists who were injured in a recent attack by illegal miners.

Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards on Saturday, November 8, the President said, “Only yesterday, I received news of an accident in which some journalists were injured as they retreated from a community mob attack on EPA officials and security officers.”

“Upon receipt of the news, I instructed the Chief of Staff to contact the journalists who were injured to check on their health and assist with settling any hospital bills incurred,” the President added.

The President, who spoke under the theme “Self-Guarding Ghana: The Role of the Media in Promoting Security and Peace,” condemned the growing trend of community hostility toward officials enforcing laws against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.

“The fight against illegal mining is complex and challenging. Illegal mining has so deeply ingrained itself in the fabric of our society that, despite the obvious damage it causes to our environment, entire communities mobilise and confront security personnel when they arrive to combat illegal mining operations in their areas.”

President Mahama warned that such violent resistance against state authorities would not be tolerated.

“I wish to notify communities that attack public officials and security personnel performing their lawful duties that firm action will be taken against them,” the President said.

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