Tensions flare between Journalist and Critic over Galamsey Allegations

A heated exchange on Facebook between renowned investigative journalist Erastus Asare Donkor and communications expert Amos Blessing Amorse has reignited conversations around illegal mining—popularly known as galamsey—and the challenges in holding perpetrators accountable.

Amorse, known for his strong views on governance and accountability, sparked the debate with a critical post that both praised and scrutinized Asare Donkor’s recent work. While acknowledging Asare Donkor’s efforts in exposing the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, Amorse accused the journalist of making unsubstantiated claims aimed at sustaining media attention.

“He deserves applause,” Amorse wrote, “However, he has in recent times taken advantage of the precarious situation to make unsubstantiated allegations to remain in the news.” He specifically cited recent remarks allegedly made by Donkor, including claims that some “known political activists” are involved in galamsey operations and that some police commanders who were recently reshuffled may own illegal mining equipment, known locally as Changfans.

Amorse challenged Donkor to provide concrete evidence: “If you have information on their identity, please make it public. Publish their names and all of us will support you to impress on authority to act.”

In a swift rebuttal, Erastus Asare Donkor rejected the assertions and defended the integrity of his work. “So on what basis do you make your unguided statement?” he asked, adding that Amorse had misquoted him. “I have not said that the ‘reshuffled commanders’ own Changfan machines. Don’t be ahead of yourself in trying to serve your own parochial interests.”

The spat reflects the broader tension between investigative journalism and public expectations in the fight against galamsey—a deeply entrenched issue that continues to threaten Ghana’s environment and public health.

Asare Donkor, a journalist with the Multimedia Group, has received multiple accolades for his in-depth reports on illegal mining and its links to political and security elites. His work has often led to national conversations, investigations, and, at times, state interventions.

However, critics like Amorse argue that the gravity of the situation requires more than media exposure. “Allegations and hearsay cannot win this war,” Amorse emphasized, calling for concrete evidence that can lead to prosecutions and dismissals.

The public reaction to the exchange has been mixed, with some social media users siding with Asare Donkor for his bold journalism, while others echoed Amorse’s call for greater accountability and verifiable evidence.

As illegal mining continues to ravage Ghana’s water bodies, farmlands, and forest reserves, the question remains: Can media investigations alone dismantle the deeply rooted networks fueling galamsey, or will stronger collaboration and transparency from both journalists and stakeholders be the key to lasting change?

Source: GhanaNewsOnline