GJA President urges Prez. Mahama to make “Manhyia Declaration” in renewed war on Galamsey

By: Evans Osei-Bonsu — President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to issue a bold “Manhyia Declaration” as a national policy statement to signal Ghana’s renewed and irreversible commitment to ending illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Delivering his address at the 29th Annual GJA Media Awards held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Mr. Dwumfour described galamsey as “a full-blown national security threat” and said the time had come for the government to take a decisive, symbolic stand against it.

“Mr President, permit me to suggest, with the greatest respect, that you consider issuing a policy statement – a ‘Manhyia Declaration’ to mark a renewed and irreversible national resolve to defeat galamsey once and for all,” he urged.

He explained that a declaration made from Manhyia, under the patronage of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, would carry “both moral and political weight” and reassure Ghanaians that government remains fully committed to winning the war against illegal mining.

The GJA President condemned recent violent attacks by galamsey operators on law enforcement teams, including the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), describing them as “a grave affront to the authority of the state and the rule of law.”

“These galamsey criminals are becoming bolder, more brutal and better organised, operating like gangs of terrorists. This is deeply alarming. We must wake up as a nation before it is too late,” he cautioned.

Mr. Dwumfour commended President Mahama for engaging Civil Society Organisations on the fight against galamsey but stressed that “more must be done.” He urged that funds recovered from financial mismanagement, as cited in the Auditor-General’s reports, be redirected to support anti-galamsey operations – to empower the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), equip task forces, and protect journalists who report from the frontlines.

The GJA President also paid glowing tribute to the Asantehene for his unrelenting fight to protect Asanteman’s lands from illegal mining.

“Your Majesty, you have spoken boldly, acted firmly, and defended Asanteman’s lands with honour. We urge you to continue using your revered influence to ensure that mining in your jurisdiction is responsible and sustainable,” he said.

Reaffirming the GJA’s stance, Mr. Dwumfour declared that the Association stands ready to support any lawful and drastic measures to end the galamsey menace once and for all.

“The GJA assures both the President and the Asantehene that we stand ready to support any decisive and lawful actions necessary to eradicate galamsey from our country,” he emphasized.

In attendance at the program was His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, King of the Ashanti Kingdom, President John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin.

Source: Purefmonlinegh.com || Evans Osei-Bonsu || 2025