According to Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, lead convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, the fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, in the nation cannot be won by the media on its own.
This comes after Sir Sam Jonah, the Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), voiced concern over the sharp drop in media coverage of illicit mining operations.
In his speech at the opening of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) 75th Anniversary celebrations in Accra on April 17, 2024, he revealed, “I wish I could be confident that the coverage will be professional but I am afraid I can’t, given the largely unserious way in which another important national issue—the most egregious abuse of the rights of millions whose livelihood has been decimated completely by galamsey operations—has been treated by your profession.”
In response to the problem on Thursday’s Morning Starr with Francis Abban, Dr. Ashigbey said that the battle against galamsey can only be won by everyone working together rather than by one person.
“I agree with him that when we began the battle against Galamsey, where it was, and the changes we witnessed, but I have a problem with him because he is blaming only one side.” Because highly esteemed individuals like him would comprehend mining in its whole and how it should be done.
“To support that particular fight, we need the general public’s support as well as people and stakeholders like him,” Dr. Ashigbey said.
“Therefore, we need Sir Sam Jonah and people like him—those with the voices to support the media cause—so that once we put it out there, we will receive the necessary support,” he said.
