My Galamsey Comment Was Not Meant To Embarrass Akufo-Addo – GJA President

President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has clarified that his comments on illegal mining (galamsey) during the 28th GJA Awards and the association’s 75th anniversary were not intended to insult or embarrass then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

According to Dwumfour, his remarks were based on factual concerns widely acknowledged in the public domain. He noted that the occasion presented an appropriate opportunity to draw attention to the lingering national crisis and remind the president of his own commitment to ending galamsey.

“You have discharged your duties in many areas, but we feel you’re failing us on this one,” he stated during an interview on Morning Starr.
“I didn’t make that statement to embarrass the president or elevate myself above him. I was only speaking the truth and using the moment to voice a collective concern,” he added.

Dwumfour also referred to President Akufo-Addo’s 2017 declaration to put his presidency on the line in the fight against illegal mining, urging him to honour that pledge before leaving office.
“Mr. President, remember you said you’d risk your presidency to stop illegal mining,” he reminded.

Tensions between the GJA President and President Akufo-Addo were palpable during the ceremony, with many observers noting the president’s apparent displeasure following the remarks.

Despite the unease, Dwumfour maintains that his comments were made in good faith and intended to promote accountability on an issue of national importance.

My galamsey comment wasn’t to embarrass Akufo-Addo, it was fact. — GJA President#GHOneNews #EIBNetwork #GHOneTV #NewsAlert https://t.co/5RAa0DNNZl

— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) June 23, 2025

Source: Nkonkonsa.com