Accra: The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has urged journalists to maintain independent, accurate, and evidence-based reporting on the mining industry. It emphasized the need for scrutiny of mining companies, government, and regulators while ensuring fair and balanced coverage.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Albert Dwumfuor, President of the GJA, highlighted the media's role at a national mining dialogue in Accra, stating that journalists should neither be adversaries of mining nor act as a public relations outlet for the industry. The event, presided over by Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, was organized by Asempa 94.7 FM in partnership with Semmis DS and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
The dialogue, themed 'Mining, Local Content and the Catchment Compact: Rethinking the Social Licence to Operate,' centered on maximizing Ghana's economic and social benefits from mineral resource extraction without jeopardizing environmental and public health. It brought together government officials, traditional authorities, mining industry players, and other stakeholders.
Mr. Dwumfuor stressed the media's duty to investigate illegal mining networks, scrutinize mining companies' obligations, and examine government policies. He also called for giving affected communities a voice, reporting on successful mining developments, and recognizing effective government interventions and regulatory performance.
He urged journalists to adhere to principles of verification and investigation before publishing accusations, while cautioned against sensationalism. Mr. Dwumfuor noted that responsible journalism involves informing rather than inflaming public opinion.
The GJA President also announced plans to promote specialized training for journalists covering mining, environmental issues, finance, and regulation. He emphasized the importance of fact-checking, investigative reporting, responsible data use, and error correction to maintain media credibility.
Furthermore, Mr. Dwumfuor revealed the GJA's intention to lead a team of veteran journalists on a nationwide tour of areas impacted by illegal mining. The team aims to engage with affected communities and stakeholders to better understand the illegal mining crisis independently of government influence.
Drawing from his personal experience in Tepa, a historic mining area, Mr. Dwumfuor underscored the need for mining that generates economic value while respecting communities and protecting the environment. He highlighted the necessity of balancing economic benefits with social and environmental costs in the mining sector.