At a news conference held at the Ghana International Press Centre on March 13, 2025, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, addressed pressing issues affecting the media industry, including recent attacks on journalists, the galamsey menace, and concerns over media freedom.
Dwumfour condemned the brutal assault of three journalists in the Western Region by illegal small-scale miners, calling the attack “barbaric” and demanding justice.
“The Police and the court must ensure that the suspects in this dastardly act face the full force of the law,” he stated. He also urged the case to be transferred to Sekondi for security reasons, as it is unsafe for the victims to travel to Asankragwa for court proceedings.
On illegal mining, the GJA reiterated its unwavering stance against galamsey, highlighting its devastating impact on Ghana’s environment and local communities.
“The galamsey menace is still with us. Our forest reserves, water bodies, and farmlands are being destroyed and degraded with reckless abandon,” Dwumfour stressed. He urged President John Mahama to fulfill his commitment to eradicating the practice, emphasizing that “the time to act is NOW!”
The GJA also expressed strong disapproval of the Kade District Court’s decision to shut down Esewani Community Radio and two information centers over alleged noise pollution.
“How will the EPA assess their noise level when they are not in operation?” Dwumfour questioned, arguing that the ruling undermines media freedom. He called on the management of the radio station to challenge the court’s decision and urged the Chief Justice to intervene, warning that the ruling could erode public trust in the judiciary.
Furthermore, the GJA announced its upcoming commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 2, 2025, with an evening awards ceremony to honor individuals and institutions championing press freedom.
Additionally, Dwumfour encouraged media participation in the 4th Africa Media Convention in Morocco, set for May 29–31, 2025.
Concluding his address, Dwumfour called attention to national safety concerns, particularly the absence of streetlights on major roads, which he described as a “threat to life.” He urged authorities to act swiftly in fixing them to prevent accidents and crime.
