President of GJA clarifies his comments to former Prez Akufo-Addo were not to embarrass him

President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has clarified that his comments directed at former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over illegal mining, also termed as galamsey, were not intended to embarrass him.

Speaking on Morning Starr on Monday, June 23, 2025 the GJA President indicated that his remarks were meant to reflect the genuine concerns of the media and the Ghanaian public regarding the harmful effects of illegal mining on the environment.

“You have discharged your duty dutifully in all other areas, but we feel that you failed us in this area. This was the fact,” he explained

He added that although he anticipated that his remarks might not be well received, it was his duty to speak truth to power as the head of the media fraternity, adding that he was not surprised by the former President’s reaction to his comments.

“I wasn’t expecting the President to be happy, especially being my guest of honour but I didn’t say it to disgrace or embarrass him,” he explained.

He revealed that ahead of making the comments publicly, he had already shared his views with national security officials, stressing that it was not a spontaneous outburst.

“I was only speaking the truth. I felt that it was an opportunity for us to share some of these concerns before him,” he noted.

The GJA President reiterated the media’s role as the fourth estate of the realm, and a vital link between the government and the people.

He maintained that the platform provided a timely opportunity for the former President to clarify his administration’s stance on illegal mining.

The clarification follows comments the GJA President made on September 28, 2024, at the 28th GJA Awards, which also marked the Association’s 75th anniversary.

During the event, he described the impact of illegal mining as “shameful” and called on then-President Akufo-Addo to uphold his pledge to address the menace before leaving office.

AS/VPO

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