Media urged to take stance against environmental crisis
By Daniel Nonor
Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, convener for the Media Coalition against illegal mining, has emphasized the urgent need for journalists to take a decisive stance on environmental issues.
Speaking on the Zed in the Morning show, Dr. Ashigbey highlighted the theme for this year’s World Press Freedom Day, “Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis,” underscoring the critical role of the media in promoting environmental sustainability.
“We need to take a position, and that position should be about Ghana; what is good for today, what is good for our children who are going to come, and then we need to put it as forcefully as possible,” Dr. Ashigbey asserted.
The Ghana Journalist Association echoed this sentiment, selecting a national theme, “Leveraging Journalism for Sustainable Environment and Future,” to underscore the media’s commitment to environmental advocacy.
While acknowledging the media’s efforts in shedding light on environmental issues, Dr. Ashigbey emphasized the need for increased investigative journalism to expose those responsible for illegal practices such as sand mining and gold mining.
He urged journalists to leverage their platforms to expose environmental exploitation and hold perpetrators accountable.
“Especially, let’s get into investigative reportage; who are the rich people who are behind some of these illegal sand weaning, illegal gold-mining? Let’s get the evidence and expose them,” Dr. Ashigbey urged.
He further called for legal action, proposing that the Ghana Journalist Association enlist the support of seasoned lawyers to pursue cases of environmental violations in court.
“It is not only about reporting and trying to advocate for change, but it is also taking other actions as well,” Dr. Ashigbey emphasized.
Dr. Ashigbey’s impassioned plea underscores the growing recognition that neutrality is not an option when it comes to addressing the environmental crisis.
In December 1993, the UN General Assembly proclaimed May 3 as World Press Freedom Day based on the recommendation of UNESCO and in tandem with the anniversary celebration of the ‘Declaration of Windhoek’ by the latter’s General Conference on May 3.
The commemoration of the Day is to remind governments of their commitments to press freedom
and the need to respect same.
World Press Freedom Day this serves as a reminder of the critical importance of a free and independent press in safeguarding democracy and promoting accountability whiles underscoring the indispensable role of journalism in addressing the interconnected challenges facing the planet.
