Journalists Against Galamsey Begin Nationwide Campaign

A coalition of media professionals, operating under the banner of Patriotic Journalists Against Galamsey (PAJAG), has launched a nationwide campaign to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

The initiative was officially unveiled on Tuesday, March 17, in Accra by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.

They pledged to use their platforms to “speak truth to power without fear or favour,” by exposing individuals involved in illegal mining and their financiers as part of efforts to curb the menace.

The campaign, dubbed “Galamsey Ends Here – The Pen is Mightier Than the Changfan,” underscores the critical role of responsible journalism and public advocacy in tackling the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.

Speaking at the launch, the Executive Director of PAJAG, Nana Otu Darko, assured the Minister of the group’s unwavering support.

He stressed that the coalition would go beyond reporting by naming, shaming, and pushing for the prosecution of offenders.

Mr. Darko noted that PAJAG is not merely another protest group but a network of committed journalists determined to support the government’s fight against galamsey.

“We are not just another NGO or protest group—we are patriotic journalists who have decided that the pen must now do what silence has failed to do to end galamsey,” he stated.

He added that the group’s intervention comes at a crucial time to complement government efforts under President John Dramani Mahama.

“We have decided to join hands with the leadership of Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah under President John Mahama because of the significant strides being made in the fight against illegal mining,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr. Buah emphasized that the fight against illegal mining must be treated as a national emergency rather than a partisan issue.

“This has nothing to do with NDC or NPP; it has everything to do with our survival as Ghanaians,” he stressed.

The Minister painted a grim picture of the environmental crisis, noting that many of Ghana’s rivers have been heavily polluted, posing serious threats to public health and water supply.

According to him, the situation is alarming to the extent that some foreign embassies now import their own water, while the Ghana Water Company Limited struggles to treat raw water due to extremely high turbidity levels.

“Our water bodies are dying. We have listened to experts and environmentalists explain the consequences—yet the destruction continues,” he lamented.

Mr. Buah further highlighted the need to instill environmental awareness, particularly among the youth, stressing that long-term behavioural change is essential to ending illegal mining.

He called on all Ghanaians to support the “Galamsey Ends Here” campaign, expressing confidence that collective action can reverse the environmental damage caused by the practice.