The Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has partnered with Reporters Without Borders (RSF Germany) to enhance the capacity of journalists in environmental reporting and personal safety.
The training programme, scheduled around World Environment Day 2026, is designed to equip selected journalists with practical skills to report accurately on environmental issues while ensuring their safety in high-risk field conditions.
The initiative comes amid growing national concern over environmental degradation linked largely to mining activities and illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, which continues to pose serious ecological and governance challenges.
Organisers say the media remains central to shaping public understanding of environmental issues and driving accountability in the extractive sector, which contributes significantly to Ghana’s economy but also creates social and environmental risks.
The training will feature experts from key institutions, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and experienced environmental journalists, who will guide participants on mining reportage, risk assessment, conflict-sensitive journalism and personal safety in volatile areas.
Ashanti GJA Chairman, Mr. Kofi Adu Domfeh, said the initiative is timely, noting that journalists play a vital role in exposing environmental harm and educating the public on sustainable practices.
He stressed that journalists must be properly equipped to report with accuracy and resilience, especially given the increasing risks faced by reporters covering illegal mining activities, including intimidation and physical threats.
According to him, strengthening environmental journalism will also promote accountability, improve public awareness and support evidence-based decision-making on natural resource management.
The collaboration between Ashanti GJA and RSF Germany is expected to deepen cooperation between the media, regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders, while promoting ethical and responsible reporting.
World Environment Day 2026, under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”, is expected to further highlight the importance of environmental protection and sustainable development.
