The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has publicly reprimanded Nana Yaw Joel, the morning show host of Oyerepa FM, for making unsubstantiated claims about members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) being involved in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.
The confrontation occurred during a live interview when Nana Yaw Joel questioned the minister about the ongoing galamsey menace affecting the Ashanti region.
The host asked, “Minister, now your people are neck deep in this galamsey destroying our lands. Do you see this fight ending anytime soon? Can you win this fight?”
Dr. Amoakohene responded sharply, emphasizing journalistic responsibility “You are a journalist with a big platform that many Ghanaians listen to. I don’t expect you to make or cast vague assertions. I expect you to name the individuals involved so that if we call you to assist investigations, you can pinpoint exactly who among our people you are accusing.”
When probed further about whether he was unaware of any individuals from his party engaging in galamsey, the minister reiterated, “You said ‘your own people.’ That is unfair to your listeners. As a journalist, you should be able to name names. For example, in past cases like the Akonta mining issue, we were able to trace and mention names. If you mention someone and they take you to court for defamation, you must have evidence. It is not fair to accuse the NDC broadly without specifics.”
The host expressed surprise, referencing investigative journalist Erastus, who has reportedly presented documents and videos implicating some NDC members in galamsey activities.
Nana Yaw Joel asked, “Are you telling us you don’t have this evidence at hand?”
Dr. Amoakohene dismissed the claim, stating, “Don’t say things and bring Erastus into it. If Erastus is making claims, he is a man, so he mentions names. That’s the kind of journalist we want in this country because he knows that if the matter lands in court, he has evidence to back his claims that the persons he mentions in his work are involved in galamsey.
“Yesterday, when Erastus presented his work, he mentioned the names of key officials, so I don’t expect you to cast vague assertions”, the minister remarked.
The host attempted to clarify that he was referring to Erastus’s investigative work, but the minister remained firm.
He said “We have already discussed the Captain Jabari matter. You said ‘my own people’ are neck deep in galamsey. I want you to help me name any member of my party involved so I can take action. Making blank statements on radio about NDC people doing galamsey does not help.”
Source :www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
