It has been over two weeks since some armed illegal miners ambushed Joy News’ environmental journalist, Erastus Asare Donkor, and three of his colleagues in the Ashanti Region while they were on the field reporting on illegal mining activities in a reserve forest.
Although Erastus reported the incident to the local police, investigations into the case have been slow.
Speaking Monday, November 4, 2024, Erastus expressed frustration over the lack of progress by the police in bringing those who attacked him and his colleagues to justice in their fight against galamsey in the country.
“There is not much information. I have been contacting the district police commander, and he keeps telling me that they have taken the case to court and that the court is yet to give them a date for the hearing,” he said.
The perpetrators also seized the journalists’ equipment, including a drone, tablets, and SD cards. According to Erastus, these items have not been returned despite his several pleas.
He noted that the police promised to retrieve the items, but that remains unfulfilled. “I keep asking the district commander whether he has any information on the items, and he said no; they have not brought any items to him.”
The victim also expressed amazement that the leadership of the Ghana Police Service has not commented on the situation.
In Ghana, after an arrest, an arraignment typically occurs within 48 hours, as mandated by the 1992 Constitution. This provision ensures that a person who has been arrested is brought before a court promptly to hear the charges against them.
Meanwhile, the perpetrators were granted bail and have made no further efforts to bring them to justice.
