By: Edwin Gogu
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has pledged the Association’s support for ongoing reforms in Ghana’s mining sector, stressing the need for stronger laws, responsible mining practices, and sustained media involvement to combat illegal mining.
He made the remarks during the ninth phase of stakeholder engagements on the review of the 2014 Mining Policy and proposed legal amendments, organized by the Minerals Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in Peduase – Aburi in the Eastern Region.
Mr. Dwumfour commended the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Lawyer Martin Ayisi, for demonstrating strong commitment to the fight against illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), particularly through his call for the repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which has been cited as a major obstacle to addressing the menace.
“We know that this L.I. has been one of the most pressing issues confronting the fight against galamsey. The Minerals Commission, led by Lawyer Ayisi, deserves commendation for calling for its repeal. This shows real commitment to ending the menace of illegal mining,” the GJA President noted.
He observed that Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act, which has been in force for nearly two decades, has created ambiguities that undermine effective regulation of the sector. He therefore welcomed the current review process, describing it as long overdue but timely.
“This engagement has come at the right time, even if belated. As journalists, our mandate is to inform and educate. For us to play that role effectively, we must be periodically and continuously engaged on issues of mining policy and regulation,” he emphasized.
Mr. Dwumfour assured that the GJA will work closely with the Minerals Commission and other stakeholders to ensure that information and education from such engagements reach journalists across the country, particularly those reporting from mining communities.
He urged participating journalists to share the knowledge gained with colleagues in their newsrooms to broaden understanding and deepen public discourse on mining governance.
He further stressed that the Association remains committed to supporting initiatives that safeguard Ghana’s natural resources and promote sustainable development.
“The time has come for us to speak with one voice as a nation against illegal mining. This exercise is not for us alone, it is for the entire country. We must go back and empower others with the knowledge gained here,” Mr. Dwumfour added.
The engagement with the GJA forms part of a nationwide consultative process by the Minerals Commission to gather inputs from stakeholders for the review of Ghana’s mining laws and policies to address current challenges in the sector.
