GJA President Calls for “Manhyia Declaration” to Strengthen National Resolve Against Galamsey

President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to issue a bold policy statement, the “Manhyia Declaration”  to symbolise Ghana’s renewed and unwavering commitment to ending illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Delivering his address at the 29th Annual GJA Media Awards held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Saturday, November 8, 2025, Mr. Dwumfour said the proposed “Manhyia Declaration” would serve as a powerful national statement demonstrating moral and political will to eradicate galamsey once and for all.

The awards ceremony, hosted for the first time outside Accra, brought together distinguished personalities including His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene and Patron of the event; President John Dramani Mahama; Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin; and Acting Chief Justice Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.

Mr. Dwumfour commended President Mahama for his engagements with civil society on the galamsey menace but stressed that “more must be done” to stop the growing threat to the nation’s environment and security. He also urged the government to channel funds recovered through the Auditor-General’s report into anti-galamsey operations to equip security task forces, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and journalists working in dangerous mining zones.

He strongly condemned recent attacks on the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and journalists covering the galamsey fight, describing them as “cowardly acts” that undermine state authority and national resolve.

Mr. Dwumfour further praised the Asantehene for his bold stance against illegal mining, urging him to continue using his influence to safeguard Asanteman’s lands and to insist on being consulted before mining leases are granted within his jurisdiction.

Touching on national security, he commended the improved relations between the Ghana Police Service and the media, while calling for continued protection of journalists who report under difficult conditions. He also lauded traditional-led mediation efforts, particularly Otumfuo’s leadership in restoring calm to conflict-prone areas such as Bawku.

The GJA President expressed deep appreciation to sponsors, especially Mr. Alex Dadey and the KGL Group of Companies, whose support made it possible to host the awards in Kumasi for the first time.

This year’s event, themed “Safeguarding Ghana’s Future: The Role of the Media in Promoting Peace, Security and the Fight Against Galamsey,” honoured 29 journalists and seven media institutions. The top four award winners will receive sponsored trips to Turkey courtesy of the Turkish Embassy and Turkish Airlines.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Dwumfour urged journalists to remain courageous in the face of adversity and continue to uphold accuracy, fairness, and professionalism.

“Our mission is to rescue the perishing and care for the dying,” he said. “The pen is not just a tool, but a torchlight for justice,  and in our hands lies the power to safeguard Ghana’s peace, democracy, and environment.”

Written By Bernard Nii Ade Quaye | Rays of Hope Radio