The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has expressed sympathy and solidarity with journalists who were injured in a recent road accident while covering an official assignment on illegal mining activities with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in the Ashanti Region.
The accident occurred on Thursday, November 6, when the journalists, who had joined an EPA enforcement team on an anti-illegal mining operation, were returning from the field.
Their vehicle reportedly collided with an oncoming truck near Afari in the Atwima Nwabiagya District, leaving several journalists injured.
At the 29th GJA Media Awards, held in Kumasi, the Association led guests to observe a minute of silence in honour of both fallen journalists and those currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
Addressing the gathering, GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, said the incident was a painful reminder of the risks journalists take in pursuit of stories that serve the public interest.
“Today, while we rejoice, we are equally sad because some of our colleagues couldn’t join us here; they are on admission at the hospital fighting for their lives.
“They were supporting the fight against this never-ending problem of galamsey. We wish them a speedy recovery,” he said.
He assured that the GJA would support efforts to secure medical care for the affected journalists and called on individuals and corporate organisations to assist.
“We will take the necessary steps to guarantee their treatment,” he noted. “We appeal to individuals and corporate institutions to lend support in various forms, including insurance packages for victims exposed to such hazards on the job,” he added.
GJA president emphasized that journalists across the country continue to face significant risks in the line of duty, especially when covering security and environmental stories.
He reiterated the GJA’s commitment to improving journalists’ safety and welfare.
Mr. Dwumfuor also urged the Ghana Police Service to take concrete measures to enhance the safety of journalists, particularly those covering high-risk assignments.
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Source: myjoyonline.com
