The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Western Region has strongly condemned the attack on journalists by illegal miners at Breman Adomanya Forest on February 23, 2025.

The victims of the attack included Theophilus Akwasi Agyei Annim of Channel One TV/Citi FM, Henry Emil Fynn of Angel TV, and Jacob Adu-Baah of ABC News GH/Rok FM.

According to the association, such acts of violence against media professionals are not only an assault on press freedom but also a direct threat to Ghana’s democracy and environmental sustainability.

On February 23, illegal miners (galamseyers) whose destructive activities are well known by police personnel in and around the Asankragwa area attacked Citi News’ Western Regional Correspondent, Akwasi Agyei Annim, and damaged his production equipment while he was filming.

Shockingly, this happened in the full glare of a police escort, raising concerns about law enforcement’s commitment to protecting journalists.

The GJA strongly condemned the attack and urged the government to prioritize the safety of journalists and ensure their unrestricted access to report on issues of public interest.

The association emphasized that silence in the face of such attacks fosters impunity and erodes the foundations of democracy.

Reaffirming its commitment to defending press freedom, the GJA pledged its support to journalists who courageously speak truth to power.

“We urge all media stakeholders and civil society to unite in condemning violence against the press and demand urgent action to end the galamsey menace,” the association stated.