President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has clarified that his comments directed at former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo regarding illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’, were not intended to embarrass the former president.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Monday, June 23, Mr. Dwumfour explained that he saw his remarks as an opportunity for the president to openly address the nation’s concerns about the devastating impact of galamsey.
According to him, his statements were factual and rooted in the concerns of the media and the general public, adding that he was not surprised by the former president’s reaction.
“”You have discharged your duty dutifully in all other areas but we feel that you are failing us in this area, this was the fact,” Mr. Dwumfour said.
He emphasised that as a leader of the media fraternity, it is his responsibility to speak truth to power, regardless of the circumstances.
“I wasn’t surprised by [Akufo-Addo’s reaction] because I was not expecting the president to be happy especially being my guest my special guest of honor absolutely,” Mr. Dwumfour stated.
He revealed that prior to making the comments publicly, he had engaged national security officials and communicated his position on the matter.
“I didn’t make such statement to embarrass the president or to his greater president I was only speaking the truth. I felt that it was an opportunity for us to share some of this concern before him,” he stressed.
Mr. Dwumfour further explained that the media, as the fourth estate of the realm, serves as a crucial bridge between government and the people.
As such, he believed the event provided a perfect platform for the president to clarify his government’s position and outline its efforts in addressing galamsey.
On September 28, 2024 during the 28th GJA Awards and the association’s 75th-anniversary celebration in Accra, Mr Dwumfour lamented the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s environment and water bodies.
He described the situation as “shameful,” in the presence of Akufo-Addo, urging him [Akufo-Addo] to make good on his pledge to combat the menace before his term in office ends.
The issue of galamsey has remained a significant national concern due to its destructive impact on Ghana’s environment and water bodies.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
