President John Dramani Mahama has directed his Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, to ensure that all medical expenses are covered for journalists who sustained injuries during an attack linked to illegal mining operations.
Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards on Saturday, November 8, the President revealed that he acted immediately after learning about the incident.
“Only yesterday, I received news of an accident in which some journalists were injured as they retreated from a community mob attack on EPA officials and security officers,” he said.
“Upon receipt of the news, I instructed the Chief of Staff to contact the journalists who were injured to check on their health and assist with settling any hospital bills incurred,” he added.
Addressing the event, themed “Self-Guarding Ghana: The Role of the Media in Promoting Security and Peace,” President Mahama expressed deep concern over the increasing hostility faced by officials and journalists involved in enforcing laws against illegal small-scale mining (galamsey).
“The fight against illegal mining is complex and challenging. Illegal mining has so deeply ingrained itself in the fabric of our society that, despite the obvious damage it causes to our environment, entire communities mobilise and confront security personnel when they arrive to combat illegal mining operations in their areas,” he explained.
The President strongly cautioned against such violent confrontations, warning that the state would take decisive action against anyone who attacks public officers or journalists performing lawful duties.
“I wish to notify communities that attack public officials and security personnel performing their lawful duties that firm action will be taken against them,” President Mahama stated.
His comments come amid heightened tension in some mining areas, where both environmental enforcement teams and journalists have increasingly faced threats and physical assaults while covering or combating galamsey activities.
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