Journalists injured in crash during galamsey crackdown - Minister directs KATH to provide best care
Some journalists in the Ashanti Region were yesterday involved in a ghastly accident while on an assignment within the Obuasi enclave.
The media personnel were accompanying a team from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, to clamp down on illegal mining activities.
Last Wednesday, the team visited the Anwia Nkwanta area to shut down 19 firms manufacturing illegal mining equipment.
The following day, the team was in the Obuasi area to clamp down on illegal mining, but in the process, the team was attacked by some irate illegal miners, forcing them to retreat.
In the process of retreating, the team was forced to use an alternative route back to Kumasi to flee from the attack, but upon reaching Afari, their vehicle collided with a KIA truck, resulting in the accident.
One of them who suffered a broken leg has undergone surgery.
The others are also receiving treatment.
Minister directs
Following the incident, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has directed the Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the Ashanti Regional Health Director to ensure that all affected persons receive the best possible medical care and to closely monitor their management and recovery.
The minister also noted that he had been informed of an earlier attack on the same task force by a group of organised illegal miners and further instructed the regional police command to undertake a thorough investigation into the matter.
“Furthermore, the Regional Unit of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has been directed to secure the area, halt all illegal mining activities and ensure that the perpetrators of the attack and those responsible for the environmental degradation are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law”, the release said.
Regional GJA
Meanwhile, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in the Ashanti Region, in a statement, expressed solidarity with the journalists involved in the accident during the illegal mining coverage.
It said, "we stand in full solidarity with our affected colleagues in this difficult moment.
Our thoughts and prayers are with them, their families, and their media organisations."
“The safety, welfare, and protection of journalists remain paramount to the GJA, and this unfortunate incident underscores the inherent risks associated with the critical work our members undertake in pursuit of public interest, especially on issues related to galamsey”, it mentioned.
The leadership of the GJA in the region assured all affected journalists of its unwavering support, saying “we are actively engaging relevant authorities and partners to ensure they receive the necessary medical attention and emotional support”.
The association said the as journalists continue to play their watchdog role in bringing national attention to environmental and social challenges, it is imperative that their safety is given topmost priority.
Therefore, the GJA called on all institutions that engage the media in field operations, particularly in high-risk areas, to adhere strictly to safety protocols and ensure proper coordination and preparedness at all times.
“The GJA remains resolute in supporting our colleagues through these trying times”, it said
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