I have asked Chief of Staff to foot bills of journalists injured in attack by illegal miners – Mahama

President John Mahama has sent well wishes to the journalists who got injured in accident that occurred when they were fleeing from attack by illegal miners.

The President said he has tasked the Chief of Staff to check on their state of health and ensure that the bills are catered for by the state.

“When i heard the news, i informed my Chief of Staff to find out how they are doing and ensure that all their bills are taken care of,” President Mahama said at the 29th Media Awards being held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on November 8.

It is recalled that a team of journalists accompanying the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on a special operation to clamp down on illegal mining activities was involved in a serious accident in the Ashanti Region.

The incident, which left two of the journalists in critical condition, occurred at Afari, following a violent encounter with illegal miners near Obuasi.
Reports indicate that the convoy of the EPA team was initially attacked by a group of illegal miners at Dadwene, a community near Obuasi. The severity of the attack reportedly forced the EPA team and the accompanying media personnel to retreat.

The subsequent accident, which happened later at Afari, has left several people injured.

Among the journalists involved was Ibrahim Abubakar, the Ashanti Regional Correspondent of Media General, but he is fine.
Speaking to the news desk for an update, reporter William Evans-Nkum clarified the apparent geographical discrepancy between the site of the attack and the accident.

President Mahama also assured that communities that attack state anti-galamsey teams will be dealt with.

“Let me tell communities that attack the government officials that firm action will be taken against them,” the President warned.

On his part, the Minister of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has commended the media in the country for its enduring role as a “beacon of truth” and a “mirror of society.”

He appealed to the media to continue championing transparency, tolerance, and accountability in the national discourse.

Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards held at the Manhyia Palace, on Saturday, November 8,2025, Mr Ofosu lauded the media fraternity for its courage and dedication in promoting freedom of expression and strengthening democratic governance.

“This is a story of courage,” he stated. “The media has not just been an institution; it has been the mirror of our society — shaping narratives, enlightening the public, and broadening access to truth.”

He stressed that the freedom, safety, and independence of media in Ghana are essential pillars of democracy.


He emphasized that the state has a sacred duty to protect and uphold those rights.

The Government Communications Minister reiterated government’s commitment to media freedom and transparency, observing that the recent progress made in implementing the Right to Information (RTI) Act was a major step toward deepening accountability in governance.

“Earlier this week, the Supreme Member of the Right to Information Committee reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the effective implementation of the RTI Act,” he stated. “This milestone is not merely symbolic; it is a concrete demonstration of our accountability to the people.”

The Minister described the full enforcement of the RTI law as a “testament to Ghana’s openness” and a reflection of the government’s desire to promote participatory governance.

He warned against the growing global challenge of disinformation and misinformation, stating that the media must play a critical role in protecting national stability and democratic integrity.

“We need a media that not only informs but also protects our collective values and strengthens our democratic space,” he stated. “A responsible media is key to maintaining social order, national cohesion, and public trust.”

Mr Kwakye Ofosu appealed to journalists to embrace professionalism and factual reporting, adding that the government values the media as a partner in development and peacebuilding.

He commended the GJA for its continued efforts in promoting excellence and ethical standards in journalism.

He called for collaboration between media institutions, civil society, and government agencies to safeguard Ghana’s democracy and development agenda.

“The power of the media lies not only in its reach but in its responsibility,” he said. “Through partnership, participation, and professionalism, we can build a future of shared prosperity and stability.”

He ended his address by congratulating the award winners for their outstanding service to the nation, describing their achievements as “a reflection of the enduring spirit of courage and purpose that defines the Ghanaian media.”