Ashanti GJA Commends EPA for Support to Journalists Injured in Afari Accident
Association praises EPA’s welfare support as injured journalists recover from illegal mining assignment accident
- Ashanti GJA commended EPA for supporting journalists injured during an assignment at Afari near Nkawie.
- Four journalists have returned to work, while one is recovering steadily after surgery.
- GJA urged stronger safety measures for journalists covering high-risk assignments.
The Ashanti Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has praised the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for its continued care and support for journalists who were involved in a road accident while covering an EPA-led assignment on illegal mining activities at Afari near Nkawie on November 6, 2025.
In an update issued by the Association, the GJA disclosed that all but one of the affected journalists have fully recovered and returned to work.
Those who have resumed duty include Ibrahim Abubakar of TV3/Akoma FM, Doris Lonta of Channel One TV, Nana Yaw Gyimah of Luv FM/JoyNews, and Joseph Obeng of Nhyira FM/Adom News.
The remaining journalist, Akwasi Adomako, a camera technician with JoyNews, who underwent a successful surgical procedure on his right thigh, is said to be recovering steadily and is currently recuperating at home.
As part of efforts to assess the welfare of the journalists and engage their respective media houses, 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 Ashanti GJA expressed deep appreciation for the EPA’s sustained commitment to the recovery and well-being of the journalists during what it described as a challenging period.
While encouraging journalists to remain committed to environmental protection and public-interest reporting, the Association also urged media practitioners to prioritise their personal safety and security, especially when working in high-risk and volatile environments.
The GJA further called on institutions and stakeholders to ensure adequate safety and security measures are put in place whenever journalists are assigned to potentially dangerous operations.
The statement was signed by Kofi Adu Domfeh, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association.
Below is the full statement…
ASHANTI GJA UPDATE: EPA ENGAGES JOURNALISTS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT
The Ashanti Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) commends the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for its continued demonstration of care and support for journalists who were involved in an accident while covering an assignment with the Authority on illegal mining activities on 6th November, 2025, at Afari near Nkawie.
We are pleased to inform the public that all but one of the affected journalists have fully resumed work and are in good health. They include Ibrahim Abubakar (TV3/Akoma FM), Doris Lonta (Channel One TV), Nana Yaw Gyimah (Luv FM/JoyNews), and Joseph Obeng (Nhyira FM/Adom News).
Our colleague, Akwasi Adomako, a Camera Technician with JoyNews, who underwent a successful surgical procedure on his right thigh, is recovering steadily and is currently recuperating at home.
On Friday, January 16, 2026, the Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, accompanied by the Ashanti and Eastern Regional Directors, Dr. Jackson Adiyia Nyantakyi and Mr. Sydney Danso respectively, paid courtesy visits to the affected journalists. The visit was aimed at assessing their condition and engaging with the management of their respective media houses.
The Ashanti GJA deeply appreciates the EPA’s sustained commitment to the welfare and recovery of the journalists during this challenging period.
While encouraging media practitioners to remain steadfast in environmental protection and public-interest journalism, the Association reiterates the need for journalists to prioritise their personal safety and security, particularly when operating in volatile environments.
We further call on institutions and stakeholders to ensure the provision of adequate safety and security measures whenever journalists are engaged for assignments that pose potential risks.
Signed:
Kofi Adu Domfeh
Ashanti Regional Chairman
Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)
Date: January 16, 2026
