President John Dramani Mahama has given a firm assurance of his government’s commitment to fighting illegal mining, simply referred to in the local parlance as galamsey.
“I will never, never give up the fight against galamsey, because it (war against the menace) is essential for the survival of the nation”, he emphasised.
The President was the Special Guest of Honour at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards held at the plush Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Jubilee Hall, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Saturday.
The theme for the celebration was: “Safegaurding Ghana’s future: The Role of the media in promoting peace, security and the fight against galamsey”.
Thirty six individuals and media organisations were celebrated for excellence in various areas of the profession.
Media General’s Godwin Asediba won the coveted PAV Ansah Journalist of the year 2024 Award, while Doreen Ampofo of GBC was adjudged Best female Journalist of the year.
The promising Student journalist award went to Clinton Yeboah of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The GJA also presented a Special award to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in appreciation of the invaluable support in hosting the first ever GJA Awards in Kumasi.
President Mahama pledged to strengthen media independence and ensure justice for journalists who have suffered violence in recent years and thus work towards restoring Ghana’s reputation, as a beacon of press freedom in Africa.
Seeing journalism as not only a profession but a calling, the President described the GJA as a crucial partner in the development of the nation.
“It has served as a crucial pillar in developing our democratic landscape, enhancing accountability and advocating for those often unheard in our national conversations.”
The President commended Ghanaian journalists for their “brave efforts” in upholding the ideals of transparency, justice, and truth.
He noted that through their vigilance, issues that might have remained hidden have been exposed.
President Mahama, however, bemoaned Ghana’s recent decline on the World Press Freedom Index, saying the country’s record, once a beacon of media independence in Africa, had deteriorated.
“The 2025 Press Freedom Index, reflecting conditions in 2024, recorded another unfortunate decline, signalling that our recovery remains fragile,” he said and assured journalists that his administration had chosen to “consciously reclaim Ghana’s place as Africa’s torchbearer of media freedom,” pledging to restore the spirit of openness and journalistic safety that characterized the pre-2017 era.
The President also addressed concerns raised by the GJA of which he is a paid up member, regarding acts of violence during the 2020 and 2024 elections, which led to the deaths and injuries of some journalists and citizens.
He said investigations into the incidents had been completed and that a total of 21 individuals have been identified,”
President Mahama revealed that “Four have been arrested and released on bail while others remain on remand with warrants issued for the remaining suspects” and announced further that “the Attorney General is currently reviewing the report to determine the appropriate legal action and compensation for victims and their families.”
He assured the forum that “justice will be pursued under the law,” emphasising that victims deserve closure and that the perpetrators will face the consequences of their actions.
President Mahama reiterating the constitutional importance of the media he described as “an institution of faith, constitutionally protected, whose vitality shapes the quality of our democracy” evidenced in the fact that the framers of the 1992 Constitution dedicated an entire chapter to the freedom and independence of the press.
The President assured that his government will not tolerate any form of attacks on journalists and that no journalist will have to flee for fear of their lives.
The Acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, called on journalists to uphold the principles of truth, courage, and responsibility in their work, describing journalism as a profession rooted in service, sacrifice, and steadiness rather than comfort.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie lauded the media for promoting democracy and accountability and reminded practitioners of their duty to use their platforms to foster peace and national development calling for collective action in protecting Ghana’s environment.
The CJ noted that the nation’s destiny often depends on the courage of those who speak truth to power and hold up an unflinching mirror to society.
“The task before the media is not an easy one, but the destiny of a nation has always rested on the courage of those who speak truth to power and hold the mirror steadily, even when the reflection is painful,” he said.
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