The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has declared an all-out war on the destructive practice known locally as ‘galamsey’.
PRINPAG, in a communiqué signed by its President, Andrew Edwin Arthur, said the initiative aims at exposing and combatting illegal mining activities across the country.
PRINPAG’s press release strongly condemned what it described as “the rampant and irresponsible destruction of our nation’s water-bodies, forest cover and environment in the name of illegal mining (galamsey) for monetary gain”.
The Association added that this “wanton environmental devastation, driven by greed, is a grave threat to well-being of the Ghanaian people and future of our country”.
Name and shame
The initiative, dubbed by some as ‘Operation Clean Gold’, will see PRINPAG members publish the names and pictures of those involved in galamsey on the front pages of their newspapers, and give this prominence on their news websites – holding these social miscreants and deviants accountable to the public.
This aggressive stance represents a significant shift in the battle against galamsey, which has persisted despite numerous government crackdowns.
The World Bank estimates that illegal mining costs Ghana more than US$2.3billion annually in lost revenue and environmental damage.
“PRINPAG members will in the coming days and weeks actively engage in a ‘naming and shaming’ campaign to expose all those who are involved in illegal mining activities in the country, regardless of their position or influence in society,” the statement declared.
The Association said this is a necessary step to ensure accountability and show that no one is above the law.
Interference
PRINPAG has anticipated such possible concerns as external interferences, especially leading up to the general elections, and stated that it is crucial for its members to resist any form of influence – whether monetary or otherwise – that could compromise its efforts, as accepting such inducements would undermine its contribution to the fight against galamsey and the collective effort to protect our environment.
The statement also issued a stern warning to its own members, declaring that “any member found to be directly involved in galamsey… will be expelled from the Association in accordance with our Constitution”.
Furthermore, “Any member who is identified to have been financially or materially influenced in an attempt to sabotage the Association’s fight against galamsey will equally face expulsion from PRINPAG after being taken through our disciplinary procedures”.
Clarion call
PRINPAG called on other sectors to join the fight, urging parliament to demonstrate leadership in this fight, as exemplified by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and to act without partisanship… considering only the nation’s long-term welfare.
The Association also emphasised a need for technological solutions, stating: “Technology should be leveraged to address the environmental challenges posed by certain investment activities”.
As Ghana’s media outlets prepare for this unprecedented campaign, its potential impact on the ground remains to be seen. PRINPAG views “the on-going destruction of our environment as a matter of national urgency”, asserting that “we must all do our part to protect Ghana for future generations”.
