The Ashanti Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) commends the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for its continued demonstration of care and support for journalists who were involved in an accident while covering an assignment with the Authority on illegal mining activities on 6th November, 2025, at Afari near Nkawie.

We are pleased to inform the public that all but one of the affected journalists have fully resumed work and are in good health. They include Ibrahim Abubakar (TV3/Akoma FM), Doris Lonta (Channel One TV), Nana Yaw Gyimah (Luv FM/JoyNews), and Joseph Obeng (Nhyira FM/Adom News).

Our colleague, Akwasi Adomako, a Camera Technician with JoyNews, who underwent a successful surgical procedure on his right thigh, is recovering steadily and is currently recuperating at home.

On Friday, January 16, 2026, the Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, accompanied by the Ashanti and Eastern Regional Directors, Dr. Jackson Adiyia Nyantakyi and Mr. Sydney Danso respectively, paid courtesy visits to the affected journalists. The visit was aimed at assessing their condition and engaging with the management of their respective media houses.

The Ashanti GJA deeply appreciates the EPA’s sustained commitment to the welfare and recovery of the journalists during this challenging period.

While encouraging media practitioners to remain steadfast in environmental protection and public-interest journalism, the Association reiterates the need for journalists to prioritise their personal safety and security, particularly when operating in volatile environments.

We further call on institutions and stakeholders to ensure the provision of adequate safety and security measures whenever journalists are engaged for assignments that pose potential risks.

Signed:

Kofi Adu Domfeh
Ashanti Regional Chairman
Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)

Date: January 16, 2026