Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), a Sunyani-based human rights and anti-corruption media non-governmental organization, has urged journalists to play a vital role in identifying and minimizing human rights violations in mining communities.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Ahenu emphasized the responsibility of media practitioners and institutions in the country to amplify the voices of the voiceless and advocate for the interests and well-being of vulnerable and minority populations.
Mr. Ahenu's appeal comes in the wake of the recent arrest and detention of some members of the Ahafo Concerned Farmers Association, a minority group of farmers within the Newmont Ahafo North project enclave in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region.
The Tano North Police arrested and detained four individuals from the Association who sought to protect their farms and properties from destruction by the mining company operating in the area, Newmont Ahafo North Mine.
The Association comprises 84 members whose farms and properties have been directly or indirectly affected by the mining company's operations.
However, Newmont Ahafo North Mine has denied involvement in the arrest and detention of these affected farmers, who are currently out on self-recognizance bail.
Mr. Ahenu stressed the media's accountability to society and their constitutional obligation to provide a voice for the voiceless.
He argued that failing to give a voice to marginalized communities limits media professionalism standards.
He highlighted the importance of solution-based journalism, which requires the media to shed light on and address the development deficits faced by mining communities.
Mr. Ahenu expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that, despite centuries of mining in Ghana, many mining communities still lag in development.
He attributed this to the media's focus on projecting the activities of mining companies at the expense of the affected locals.
Mr. Ahenu commended the efforts of “some few” journalists and human rights activists who have dedicated their professional careers to advocating for the interests of minority groups in society.
This call underscores the role of journalism in advocating for human rights and social justice, particularly in communities affected by mining and resource extraction activities.
- Reporting by Dennis Peprah: Editing by Adewale Adejoke
Forget wai. it wont get anywhere. there is not political will so what’s the point?
The president is human right lawyer, the best in Ghana, let him solve galamsey. if he cant, leave the journalists alone