Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Sir Sam Jonah, has raised concerns about what he sees as a decrease in media coverage of illegal mining activities, or galamsey, in Ghana.

The respected statesman expressed disappointment at the lack of attention from the media, despite the significant harm and destruction caused by illegal mining to the livelihoods of Ghanaians and society as a whole.

Speaking at the launch of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Accra on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Sir Sam Jonah expressed his lack of confidence in the media's reporting on such a serious national issue.

“As we stand on the precipice of yet another electoral milestone, in my view, the most consequential, the echoes of past violence, the whispers of disenfranchisement looms and I don't think anyone needs reminding that the conduct of the electoral exercise together with its outcome is so important that the nation cannot afford bias and unprofessional coverage of it by members of your profession.

"I wish I could be confident that the coverage will be professional but am afraid I can't, given the largely unserious way in which another important national issue- the most egregious abuse of the rights of millions whose livelihood has been decimated completely by galamsey operations, has been treated by your profession. I don't know whether you are exhausted and indeed frustrated by the shameful lack of decisive action from the authorities to your interventions. All I know is that your association's pen which is your weapon has gone eerily silent on this all important matter.”

He also lamented the health implications and complications caused by galamsey, highlighting that these issues persist despite the clear and evident consequences.

He said, “the country is experiencing the ravages of this terrible phenomenon every day. The alarming increase in children born with deformities, the epidemic of kidney and liver diseases, and the alarming mortality rates in the areas affected by galamsey activities."

“What a shame, what a pity! As journalists, the times we live in beckon you to remember your purpose, power and your responsibility. The price of the continued silence is too grave to fathom.”

He referenced Ephraim Amu's timeless composition, "Yen Ara Asase Ni," and encouraged journalists to promote patriotism, stewardship, and unity.

Sam Jonah also urged the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to uphold the principles of good governance, justice, and accountability, emphasizing the crucial role of truth in shaping Ghana's future.

The GJA's 75th-anniversary celebration is themed: "75 years of excellence in Journalism: Past, Present, and Future."