It’s a shame ‘galamsey’ issues no longer make headlines – Sam Jonah

The statesman maintains that the need for objectivity, patriotism, and independence by journalists surpasses the many challenges confronting journalism practice today.

Drawing on historical examples, Sam Jonah highlighted the sacrifices made by journalists in the pursuit of truth and justice and urged today’s practitioners to uphold the values of integrity and responsibility, also reminding them of the critical role they play in holding power to account.

“As we move forward, let us remember the sacrifices made by those who came before us, journalists who laid down their lives for the pursuit of truth and justice

It is upon their legacy that the future of Ghanaian journalism will be built—a future where truth prevails over sensationalism, integrity over corruption, and where the pen remains mightier than the sword in the fight for democratic integrity and national unity,” he said.

He also addressed specific challenges facing Ghanaian journalism, including the perceived lack of coverage on pressing issues such as illegal mining (galamsey) and called on journalists to remain steadfast in their pursuit of the truth, regardless of external pressures.

“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