GJA to conduct nationwide assessment of galamsey fight

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has announced plans to conduct a nationwide assessment of the fight against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. This initiative will follow a one-week dialogue and symposium on the issue, after which a team of experienced journalists will visit various mining communities and affected areas across the country.

President of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, made the announcement at the 2026 National Mining Dialogue on August 18. The field exercise will involve visits to mining sites, interactions with miners, farmers, traditional leaders, regulators, and other stakeholders to gather a comprehensive understanding of the impact of illegal mining and the efforts to combat it.

Dwumfour emphasized that the investigation will be independent of government influence, with the sole aim of uncovering the facts on the ground. He stated that the GJA will report their findings, regardless of whether they align with the government's stance or not. The initiative aims to provide an independent evaluation of the galamsey situation, contributing to national efforts to address the environmental and socio-economic consequences of illegal mining.

The GJA also called for a broader approach to combating illegal mining, urging authorities to target financiers, equipment suppliers, and gold buyers, in addition to miners, to identify and prosecute those benefiting from the illegal gold economy. The GJA President stressed the importance of applying the law equally and following the evidence rather than sensationalism in reporting on the issue.