Accra: Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has called on journalists to highlight the critical challenges facing the mining sector. He emphasized the vital role journalists play in shaping the nation’s narrative, particularly within the mining sector, urging them to go beyond sensational headlines and delve deeper into the complexities of mining policy, economic benefits, challenges, and innovative solutions.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Dwumfuor made this call during a two-day workshop, jointly organized by the GJA and the Ghana Chamber of Mines, aimed at educating selected journalists across the country on mining-related issues. He highlighted the devastating effects of illegal mining, known as galamsey, which poses a significant threat to national security, causes environmental degradation, and fuels social conflicts in communities.
Mr Dwumfuor noted that chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, birth deformities, and kidney failure have been linked to galamsey and the use of harmful chemicals. He pointed out the lack of political will from successive governments to effectively address the issue, which has caused significant harm to Ghana, including the destruction of several water bodies through illegal mining activities.
He urged journalists to be relentless in their pursuit of truth, shedding light on the dark areas of mining, including the exploitation of local communities and loopholes in regulatory frameworks. Incisive reporting, he emphasized, could lead to policy shifts, ensuring better and more responsible extraction of mineral resources for national development.
Mr Dwumfour expressed gratitude to the Ghana Chamber of Mines for the collaboration and commitment towards building the skills of journalists on mining issues, stating that the GJA looks forward to continuing the partnership. He emphasized the importance of capacity building for journalists, which would enable them to effectively discharge their duties and hold the powerful accountable.
He requested the Chamber to extend the training to other parts of the country, particularly regions deeply affected by mining activities, as they also need this critical knowledge for effective reportage, to tell the true stories that need to be told to transform the nation.
Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, stated that mining is about sustainability and stressed the need for the mining sector to contribute to the sustainable development of Ghana beyond just generating revenue. He solicited the support of the media to optimize the inherent value of the mining sector for the benefit of Ghanaians, emphasizing that the sector must pursue balanced returns that maximize state benefits while sustaining investments.
Dr Ashigbey highlighted that mining should act as a catalyst for enhancing local content and integrating the sector into the non-mineral economy. He appealed to the media to support the sector’s efforts in promoting sustainable mining practices and highlighting its contributions to national development, noting that by working together, the mining sector can make a positive impact on Ghana’s economy and communities.
He affirmed the Chamber’s commitment to ensuring that the mining sector contributes to the country’s development in a sustainable and responsible manner.