POLITICS

Watch Akufo-Addo’s awkward reaction to GJA President’s galamsey comments

The recently held Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards in Accra simply could not end without a call on the government to address the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as Galamsey, which has been a highly sensitive and controversial topic in Ghana.

With mounting public frustration over the government’s perceived inability to effectively tackle the environmental and social damage caused by illegal mining, journalists, like citizens, remain at the forefront of applying pressure on the government to deal with the widespread destruction.

However, it seems quite possible that remarks about galamsey may have been the catalyst for President Akufo-Addo’s reaction at the GJA awards, which has since gone viral on social media.

Delivering a speech at the event in Accra on September 28, 2024, President of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour urged the president to use the remaining three months of his presidency to redeem his promise to the people of Ghana on tackling the galamsey menace.

“We are aware that some time ago, Mr. President, the father of the nation, made a firm vow to stop galamsey, but regrettably, that promise has not been fulfilled. Mr. President, you have barely three months until the end of your administration, and we are hopeful that you’ll deal with the problem before you leave office,” Dwumfour urged.

The GJA President also called for the release of the #StopGalamseyNow protesters, stating that their continuous detention infringes on their human rights.

Following the remarks, the president seemed quite upset about the comments as he was captured engaging in what now seems to be an awkward conversation with the GJA president.

Some journalists and social media users have taken to various platforms to unpack the developments at the awards ceremony, with many accusing Akufo-Addo of inaction, complicity, or prioritising other issues over the fight against galamsey.

They believe that the remarks could have provoked a strong response from the president.

Additionally, given the ongoing damage galamsey has done to river bodies and communities across the country, such criticisms could be potent, and if voiced in a public forum like the GJA awards, they would be particularly stinging to any government or authority.

See the video and reactions below:

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

Related Articles

Back to top button