The recently held Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards in Accra simply could not end without a call on the government to address the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as Galamsey, which has been a highly sensitive and controversial topic in Ghana.

With mounting public frustration over the government's perceived inability to effectively tackle the environmental and social damage caused by illegal mining, journalists, like citizens, remain at the forefront of applying pressure on the government to deal with the widespread destruction.

However, it seems quite possible that remarks about galamsey may have been the catalyst for President Akufo-Addo's reaction at the GJA awards, which has since gone viral on social media.

Delivering a speech at the event in Accra on September 28, 2024, President of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour urged the president to use the remaining three months of his presidency to redeem his promise to the people of Ghana on tackling the galamsey menace.

“We are aware that some time ago, Mr. President, the father of the nation, made a firm vow to stop galamsey, but regrettably, that promise has not been fulfilled. Mr. President, you have barely three months until the end of your administration, and we are hopeful that you’ll deal with the problem before you leave office,” Dwumfour urged.

The GJA President also called for the release of the #StopGalamseyNow protesters, stating that their continuous detention infringes on their human rights.

Following the remarks, the president seemed quite upset about the comments as he was captured engaging in what now seems to be an awkward conversation with the GJA president.

Some journalists and social media users have taken to various platforms to unpack the developments at the awards ceremony, with many accusing Akufo-Addo of inaction, complicity, or prioritising other issues over the fight against galamsey.

They believe that the remarks could have provoked a strong response from the president.

Additionally, given the ongoing damage galamsey has done to river bodies and communities across the country, such criticisms could be potent, and if voiced in a public forum like the GJA awards, they would be particularly stinging to any government or authority.

See the video and reactions below:

Nana Addo doesn’t appear pleased after that speech 😱#StopGalamsey https://t.co/UWEecpWXKY pic.twitter.com/5S0y3we3jx

— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) September 29, 2024

The GJA President has just told Nana Addo to his face that he must deal with galamsey before he leaves office and urged him to declare a state of emergency on our water bodies and forests. It drew applause from the crowd and I saw Nana Addo scribbling things. Hopefully he’s noted…

— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) September 28, 2024

He has also just time him to ask the police to release the arrested protesters.

This GJA President is on a roll. #FreetheCitizens

— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) September 28, 2024

He has also just time him to ask the police to release the arrested protesters.

This GJA President is on a roll. #FreetheCitizens

— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) September 28, 2024

The GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called for the release of the #StopGalamseyNow protesters, stating that their detention infringes on their human rights. He made this appeal in front of President Akufo-Addo at the 28th GJA Media Awards.#FreeTheCitizens pic.twitter.com/E9AMtdcbvD

— Godwin Asediba (@GodwinAsediba) September 28, 2024

GJA boss to the President….. pic.twitter.com/701GxUZGdS

— B.You by Berla Mundi (@berlamundi) September 29, 2024

"Be Citizens and not Spectators" is actually upset that we are taking him up on his word

Unbelievable

— TheFundamentals (@KojoNketsia) September 29, 2024

"Be Citizens and not Spectators" is actually upset that we are taking him up on his word

Unbelievable

— TheFundamentals (@KojoNketsia) September 29, 2024

What GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, did last night was an act of exceptional patriotism. Congrats to him for showing the courage that many who claim to “speak truth to power” lack. #FreetheCitizens

— jerome (@readJerome) September 29, 2024