The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Western Region Chapter has expressed full solidarity with Theophilus Akwasi Agyei Annim of Citi News, Henry Emil Fynn of Angel TV, and Jacob Adu-Baah of ABC News GH/Rok FM, following the violent attack they endured while reporting on the destruction of the Breman Adomanya Forest by illegal miners (galamsey) on February 21.

In a statement, the GJA condemned the brutal assault on the journalists, who courageously risked their lives to uncover the environmental harm and criminal activities threatening the nation’s future.

“The GJA strongly condemns the vicious attack on these journalists, who put themselves at great risk to expose environmental devastation and criminal activities undermining our country’s future,” the association said.

The journalists investigation had uncovered the alarming encroachment of illegal miners into protected forest reserves.

The attackers deliberately destroyed the journalists' equipment in their attempts to suppress the truth.

The GJA emphasised that such acts of violence not only attack press freedom but also pose a direct threat to Ghana’s democracy and environmental sustainability.

“We call on the authorities to take immediate action to bring those responsible for these attacks to justice and intensify efforts to curb illegal mining, which is devastating communities, ecosystems, and livelihoods,” the statement urged.

The GJA praised the journalists for their remarkable courage and steadfast commitment to ethical journalism, highlighting the crucial role the media plays in holding those in power accountable and safeguarding the public interest.

Additionally, the GJA called on the government to make the safety of journalists a top priority, ensuring they have the freedom to report on matters of public importance without fear of violence.

"The failure to act in the face of such attacks fosters impunity and weakens the foundation of our democracy,” it added.

The GJA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting press freedom and supporting journalists who bravely speak truth to power.

It also urged all media professionals and civil society groups to unite in denouncing violence against journalists and demand immediate action to tackle the growing galamsey crisis.