Celebrating Mr. Erastus Asare Donkor: A Call for Meaningful Action Beyond Recognition

Journalist Mr. Erastus Asare Donkor of JoyNews fame was recently honored with the Order of the Volta (Membership) by the outgoing President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. While this recognition is noteworthy, it prompts a deeper reflection on the state of investigative journalism in Ghana and the broader implications for environmental protection, accountability, and justice.

Mr. Asare Donkor has dedicated his career to exposing the insidious practices of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. His investigative work has highlighted the devastating impacts of these activities on Ghana’s water bodies, soil, and ecosystems. In the course of his work, he and his team faced brutal attacks from thugs claiming allegiance to government officials. Equipment was vandalized, lives were threatened, and yet, those responsible have not been brought to justice. These events remain unresolved, underscoring a troubling lack of accountability from the very government that now seeks to honor him.

The Nana Addo administration, despite its public commitments to fight illegal mining, has shown a glaring reluctance to act on the damning evidence presented by Mr. Asare Donkor and other journalists. This inaction speaks volumes about the administration’s priorities. Far from safeguarding the environment and the future of the country, the government’s alleged involvement in the galamsey business casts a shadow over its integrity and commitment to public welfare.

The Order of the Volta, while a symbol of recognition, is hollow unless accompanied by tangible action to address the systemic issues Mr. Asare Donkor has courageously exposed. A more defiant stand by him and JoyNews in rejecting the award could have sent a powerful message. It would have underscored the urgent need for the protection of investigative journalists in Ghana and demanded accountability from the government. Such a stance would have amplified the sacrifices made by journalists who risk their lives and livelihoods to inform and protect the Ghanaian public.

The Nana Addo government’s failure to prosecute those involved in galamsey, retrieve misappropriated funds such as the reported 70 million Ghana cedis allocated for the Green Ghana Seedlings project, and ensure the safety of journalists reflects a systemic disregard for justice and environmental sustainability. Records from the Forestry Commission confirm that no contractor supplied seedlings for the project, despite the substantial allocation. This blatant misuse of public funds further erodes public trust and highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability.

As Ghanaians, we must demand more than lip service and symbolic gestures. The safety and empowerment of investigative journalists like Mr. Asare Donkor are essential to safeguarding our democracy, environment, and future. Positive action, not mere public acknowledgment, is what will truly honor their sacrifices.

We call on the incoming administration and relevant stakeholders to:

1. Ensure the safety and protection of all investigative journalists in Ghana.

2. Prosecute government officials and individuals implicated in illegal mining and environmental degradation.

3. Audit and recover misappropriated funds, including those tied to the Green Ghana Seedlings project.

4. Implement effective policies to combat illegal mining and restore our degraded ecosystems.

Mr. Asare Donkor’s recognition should not end with an award. It must serve as a catalyst for meaningful change. The true measure of honoring his work lies in the actions we take to uphold the values he represents—truth, justice, and the preservation of Ghana’s natural heritage for generations to come.