EPA CEO Visits Injured Journalists, Reaffirms Commitment to Media Welfare – Ashanti GJA

The Ashanti Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has commended the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for its sustained commitment to the welfare and recovery of journalists who were involved in a road accident while covering an official assignment on illegal mining activities.

The accident occurred on November 6, 2025, at Afari near Nkawie, when journalists accompanying the EPA on an operation against illegal mining were involved in a vehicular incident. Since the unfortunate occurrence, the EPA has consistently demonstrated care, responsibility, and institutional support toward the affected media practitioners.

In a statement signed by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the GJA, Mr. Kofi Adu Domfeh, the Association expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the recovery of the journalists. According to the statement, all but one of the affected journalists have fully recovered and returned to active duty. Those who have resumed work include Ibrahim Abubakar of TV3 and Akoma FM, Doris Lonta of Channel One TV, Nana Yaw Gyimah of Luv FM and JoyNews, and Joseph Obeng of Nhyira FM and Adom News.

The statement further noted that Mr. Akwasi Adomako, a Camera Technician with JoyNews, who sustained serious injuries and underwent a successful surgical procedure on his right thigh, is recovering steadily and is currently recuperating at home.

As part of efforts to assess the condition of the injured journalists and reaffirm the Authority’s commitment to their welfare, the Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, on Friday, January 16, 2026, paid courtesy visits to the affected journalists. She was accompanied by the Ashanti Regional Director of the EPA, Dr. Jackson Adiyia Nyantakyi, and the Eastern Regional Director, Mr. Sydney Danso. The delegation also engaged with the management of the journalists’ respective media houses to discuss their health, recovery progress, and general well-being.

The Ashanti GJA described the visit as a clear demonstration of leadership, empathy, and accountability, and expressed deep appreciation to the EPA for standing by the journalists throughout their recovery period.

While encouraging journalists to remain resolute in environmental protection and public-interest journalism, particularly in the fight against illegal mining, the Association reiterated the importance of personal safety and security, especially when operating in volatile and high-risk environments.

The GJA further called on state institutions, agencies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure that adequate safety and security measures are put in place whenever journalists are engaged for assignments that pose potential risks, in order to safeguard lives and promote responsible journalism.

The statement was dated January 16, 2026.