It’s unacceptable nation is struggling to fight galamsey – Asantehene
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed concern about the lack of progress in the national fight against illegal mining , popularly known as galamsey. He said it is unacceptable that the nation, with all the arsenals at its disposal, is unable to battle the menace.
The Asantehene expressed concern when the Multimedia Group’s Erastus Asare Donkor presented the P.A.V. Ansah 2022 Journalist of the Year award as well as the Best Reporter on illegal mining award he won at the 27th GJA awards to him at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.
Destruction
Touching on the destruction caused to land and water bodies by galamsey operators, the Asantehene said now the water people drink has been affected by mercury. Yet, all complaints to the authorities have yielded no results.
What was even more disturbing, His Majesty noted is the new trend of serious medical conditions caused by galamsey activities.
The Asantehene commended Mr Donkor for his journalistic work against galamsey.
Reward legends
Touching on national awards for journalists, His Majesty recommended three new categories of awards by the GJA in honour of three legends of the profession. They are Kofi Badu, Cameron Duodu and Henry Ofori.
He said the association needs to create a lasting memory for the three distinguished journalists one of whom (Henry Ofori) has passed on.
Consequently, the King said he will personally make a proposal to the leadership of the GJA in that respect.
Top award
The GJA top award has been designed to honour the late Prof. P.A.V. Ansah, one of the distinguished personalities in the practice of journalism in Ghana. “Just like the P.A.V. Ansah category, I want to discuss with the GJA hierarchy to carve some awards for some old journalists. These are Henry Ofori, Cameron Duodu and Kofi Badu.” Such category of awards , the King said, will encourage the upcoming youth who intend to pursue journalism to follow in their footsteps.
