The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned the brutal assault on award-winning journalist Erastus Asare Donkor and his crew, which occurred on Sunday while they were covering environmental destruction caused by mining activities in the Ashanti Region.
In a statement signed by Kofi Yeboah, the General Secretary of the GJA, the association expressed deep concern over the attack on the Multimedia Group Limited crew by armed thugs believed to be protecting a mining site belonging to Edelmetallum Mining Resources Limited.
“This assault not only threatens press freedom but also the safety of journalists who risk their lives in the line of duty for the public good.”
Kofi Yeboah, General Secretary of the GJA
Erastus Asare Donkor, the P.A.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year 2022, was on assignment with his crew to report on the devastating effects of illegal mining, also known as ‘galamsey,’ in the Amansie South District.
Their work focused on the rampant destruction of farmlands and water bodies caused by mining activities, a growing environmental concern in Ghana.
While investigating the mining operations at Asumenya, the Multimedia crew was accosted by armed thugs wielding pump-action guns. These assailants, reportedly acting on the orders of the mining company’s owner, seized the journalists and their equipment.
The crew was then taken to a secluded forest where they were brutally assaulted, leaving them with severe injuries, including swollen eyes and hearing impairment due to the force of the attack. After the assault, the thugs abandoned them in the forest.
The incident, which took place in the village of Asumenya in the Amansie South District, has sparked outrage within the media fraternity and calls for swift justice.
“The Multimedia crew subsequently reported the incident at the Manso Edubia Police Station where they were given medical forms with which they sought medical treatment at the Agroyesum Hospital.”
Kofi Yeboah, General Secretary of the GJA
The GJA’s statement indicated that three suspects have been arrested, and the association has commended the police for their swift action. However, the GJA called for the immediate arrest of all perpetrators and their prosecution.
The GJA applauded the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for showing keen interest in the case. The association has urged the police to ensure that all individuals responsible for the attack, including those who gave the orders, face the full rigors of the law.
The GJA stressed the importance of the police demonstrating control over internal security, especially in cases where journalists are targeted while reporting on illegal activities.
Call on Civil Society
The GJA called on civil society organizations (CSOs) to add their voices to the condemnation of the assault on the Multimedia crew. The association highlighted the need for a collective national resolve to address the environmental degradation caused by mining activities.
“While expressing sympathy to our comrades and wishing them speedy recovery, the GJA wishes to assure them and the entire media fraternity that the Association will not rest until we find justice for the Multimedia crew.”
Kofi Yeboah, General Secretary of the GJA
It emphasized that journalists like Erastus Asare Donkor play a crucial role in exposing such issues, and attacks on them should be treated with the utmost seriousness.
In its statement, the GJA also called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission (MC) to suspend the permit and license of Edelmetallum Mining Resources Limited.
The association believes this suspension is necessary to allow for thorough investigations into the company’s operations and their environmental impact.
The GJA believes that beyond the recognition he has received within the media industry, Donkor deserves the highest national honor for his dedication to environmental protection and public service.
The assault on Erastus Asare Donkor and his crew serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by journalists in Ghana, particularly those covering sensitive issues such as illegal mining.
The GJA’s call for swift justice, along with demands for accountability from the mining company involved, highlights the need for stronger protections for journalists. It is also a test for law enforcement agencies to demonstrate their commitment to upholding the rule of law.
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