Former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has expressed disappointment in the Ghanaian media for their failure to effectively hold government to account on critical environmental issues such as illegal mining (galamsey), deforestation, and worsening sanitation bedeviling the country.
Mr. Mahama made this remark in a social media post on Friday, May 3, in commemorating World Press Freedom Day 2024, under the theme “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.”
He stressed the level of degradation of Ghana’s water bodies and forests, saying it poses a significant threat to the lives of people in the country.
Mr. Mahama, therefore, called on the media to use its influence to inspire leaders into taking action.
“The ongoing degradation of our water bodies and forests poses significant threats to our environment, as well as to the health and livelihoods of our communities. It is crucial that the media, with its power to expose these harmful activities, inspires society and relevant authorities into action,” he wrote.
Additionally, he urged cooperation between the government and the media to guarantee transparency in the effort to protect the environment.
“As a leader committed to building the Ghana we want, I am steadfast in my commitment to fostering a stronger partnership between the government and the media. Together, we will protect our natural resources for the benefit of future generations. Together with the media, we will aim to foster a more transparent and accountable framework that emphasises sustainable development and environmental conservation.”
