The Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Sir Samuel Esson Jonah (Sam Jonah), has expressed displeasure with the media’s coverage of the fight against illegal mining, indicating that galamsey stories do not receive the media’s attention any longer.
The statesman reminded journalists of their critical role in Ghana’s democracy, insisting their duty to uphold truth, independence, and accountability is non-negotiable.
Sir. Jonah made the remarks in his keynote address at the launch of the 75th Anniversary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Accra on Wednesday, April 17.
On the fight against galamsey, Sir Jonah could not fathom why the media appeared “frustrated” in their campaign against the menace, stressing that he could not be confident in the media’s unbiased coverage of the upcoming general elections.
He decried the growing influence of the political class on the work of journalists, urging journalists to remain steadfast in their pursuit of the truth, regardless of external pressures.
75th Anniversary celebrations of Ghana Journalists Association launched
“As we stand on the precipice of yet another electoral milestone, in my view, the most consequential, the echoes of past violence, the whispers of disenfranchisement looms and I don’t think anyone needs reminding that the conduct of the electoral exercise together with its outcome is so important that the nation cannot afford bias and unprofessional coverage of it by members of your profession.
“I wish I could be confident that the coverage will be professional but am afraid I can’t, given the largely unserious way in which another important national issue—the most egregious abuse of the rights of millions whose livelihood has been decimated completely by galamsey operations, has been treated by your profession,” he said.
READ ALSO:
He continued, “I don’t know whether you are exhausted and indeed frustrated by the shameful lack of decisive action from the authorities to your interventions. All I know is that your association’s pen which is your weapon has gone eerily silent on this all-important matter.”
While he regretted that galamsey doesn’t make the headlines anymore, he said, “The country is experiencing the ravages of this terrible phenomenon every day.
“The alarming increase in children born with deformities, the epidemic of kidney and liver diseases, and the alarming mortality rates in the areas affected by galamsey activities” appear not to merit the sustained concern of journalists.”
“What a shame, what a pity! As journalists, the times we live in beckon you to remember your purpose, power and your responsibility. The price of the continued silence is too grave to fathom.”
Sam Jonah therefore called on the GJA to uphold the principles of good governance, justice, and accountability, stressing the importance of truth in shaping Ghana’s future.
The GJA celebration is on the theme: “75 Years of Excellence in Journalism: Honouring the Past, Encouraging the Present, shaping the Future”.