The Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Sammy Gyamfi Esq. has expressed his profound disappointment and outrage regarding the increasing attacks on journalists in Ghana.
His comments were particularly directed at the inhumane treatment meted out to journalists like Erastus Asare Donkor, who has bravely exposed the activities of illegal miners and their devastating impact on the environment.
In an impassioned statement, Sammy Gyamfi pointed out the moral and leadership failings of the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
A Harrowing Account of Journalistic Abuse
According to Sammy Gyamfi, Erastus Donkor is a patriot who understands the importance of his profession and has gone to great lengths to expose the detrimental effects of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment.
“It is so sad that in this country, a country which is supposed to be governed by the rule of law, such journalists and we are not just talking about Erastus, but he and his colleagues will be subjected to this kind of inhumane, degrading, horrific, barbaric treatment.’’
Sammy Gyamfi Esq. Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
He stressed that the journalists’ only crime was reporting on illegal mining, an activity that is wreaking havoc on Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and the environment, thereby threatening human lives.
Failure of Leadership and Patriotism
Sammy Gyamfi strongly condemned the current leadership, accusing the NPP government of turning a blind eye to the abuse of journalists.
He argued that in any serious jurisdiction, individuals like Erastus and his colleagues would be celebrated as heroes for their patriotic efforts to combat a menace that poses an existential threat to Ghanaians.
“But not in Akufo-Addo’s Ghana, not in Bawumia’s Ghana. Not in a country governed by the NPP. Because they don’t care about patriotism; They don’t care about the protection of the environment.’’
Sammy Gyamfi Esq. Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
He accused the government of being indifferent to the destruction caused by illegal mining and further alleged that key figures within the government were directly involved in perpetuating the illegal mining business.
Government Complicity in Illegal Mining
“They are actively engaged and in fact, leading the illegal mining menace. So, they don’t care. They themselves are the ones instigating their thugs and hoodlums, bandits… to attack innocent journalists.’’
Sammy Gyamfi Esq. Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
He pointed to the involvement of NPP-affiliated vigilante groups, such as the Delta Forces and Invisible Forces, who, according to him, have been incited by government officials to attack journalists. This, he argued, has emboldened wrongdoers and led to the worsening of the illegal mining situation in the country.
Akufo-Addo’s Failed Promise to Fight Illegal Mining
“The so-called fight against illegal mining declared by Akufo-Addo the so call statement that he was prepared to put his presidency on the line, were all part of a grand scheme by the NPP. They were all a ruse, a charade, calculated to [scam Ghanaians].’’
Sammy Gyamfi Esq. Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
He further explained that the real intention behind the NPP’s approach to illegal mining was to take over the small-scale mining sector for their own benefit and that of their party functionaries. He accused the government of sidelining legitimate small-scale miners to allow party affiliates to dominate the sector.
A Leadership Lacking Morality and Patriotism
Throughout his statement, Sammy Gyamfi lamented the current state of leadership in Ghana, describing it as morally bankrupt and lacking any sense of patriotism. He emphasized; “They came to steal, to kill, and to destroy. And that has been their game plan. That is what they are implementing.’’
He pointed to the ongoing illegal mining issue as evidence of the government’s lack of concern for the country’s well-being and environmental sustainability. Instead of addressing the issue, Gyamfi claimed, the government has prioritized its own interests and those of its close associates, at the expense of the nation’s future.
A Call for Accountability
In conclusion, Sammy Gyamfi urged Ghanaians to take a stand against the current government’s actions and the worsening illegal mining situation.
He called for the protection of journalists and other patriotic individuals who are risking their lives to expose the truth.
“These are sad times. It is painful and shameful to be a Ghanaian around this time, because of the bad leadership we have. Leaders with no morals, leaders with no values. leaders with no love for country.’’
Sammy Gyamfi Esq. Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
He emphasized that the NDC remains committed to holding the government accountable for its actions and ensuring that justice is served for those who have been wronged in the fight against illegal mining.
