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GJA-Ashanti Commends EPA for Continued Engagement and Support Following Journalist Accident

Date of Event: January 16, 2026 | Location: Ashanti Region, Ghana

Introduction

In a significant display of corporate responsibility and stakeholder solidarity, the Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has formally commended the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for its unwavering support following a tragic vehicular accident involving a team of journalists. This incident, which occurred while the journalists were on an official assignment monitoring illegal mining activities, highlights the inherent risks associated with environmental reporting in Ghana.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the events surrounding the accident, the subsequent high-level engagement by the EPA, and the broader implications for journalist safety and environmental advocacy. By examining the specifics of this case, we aim to offer a pedagogical resource on the intersection of media freedom, corporate responsibility, and public safety.

Key Points

Incident Date: November 6, 2025.
Location: Afari, near Nkawie, Ashanti Region.
Context: The journalists were on an official EPA assignment investigating illegal mining (galamsey).
Response Date: January 16, 2026 (EPA delegation visit).
Key EPA Officials: Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse (CEO), Dr. Jackson Adiyia Nyantakyi (Ashanti Director), and Mr. Sydney Danso (Eastern Director).
Affected Journalists: Five reporters from major media houses including TV3, Channel One TV, Luv FM, and Nhyira FM.
Current Health Status: Four journalists have resumed work; one (Akwasi Adomako) is recovering at home after successful surgery.
GJA Stance: Appreciation for EPA’s support but a call for enhanced safety protocols for journalists in high-risk environments.

Background

The Assignment and the Accident

On November 6, 2025, a team of journalists embarked on a field assignment with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The objective was to document and report on the prevalence of illegal mining activities—a critical environmental issue in Ghana that threatens water bodies and forest reserves. While traveling through the Afari community near Nkawie in the Ashanti Region, the vehicle carrying the journalists was involved in a severe collision with an oncoming car.

The Victims

The accident impacted five media professionals representing some of Ghana’s leading broadcast networks. The affected journalists were:

Ibrahim Abubakar: Reporting for TV3 and Akoma FM.
Doris Lonta: A journalist with Channel One TV.
Nana Yaw Gyimah: Correspondent for Luv FM and PleasureNews.
Joseph Obeng: Reporter for Nhyira FM and Adom News.
Akwasi Adomako: Also with Luv FM and PleasureNews, who sustained injuries requiring surgical intervention.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical dangers journalists face when covering environmental crimes, often in remote or difficult terrains.

Analysis

EPA’s High-Level Engagement

On January 16, 2026, nearly two months after the accident, the EPA demonstrated a commendable level of institutional accountability. A high-ranking delegation led by the Chief Executive Officer, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, visited the injured journalists. The delegation included Dr. Jackson Adiyia Nyantakyi (Ashanti Regional Director) and Mr. Sydney Danso (Eastern Regional Director).

The purpose of the visit was twofold:

Welfare Assessment: To personally check on the recovery progress of the journalists.
Stakeholder Engagement: To discuss the branding of media vehicles and potential safety measures for future assignments.

This proactive engagement moves beyond standard corporate crisis management. By involving the CEO and regional directors, the EPA signaled that the safety of media partners is integral to their operational mandate.

GJA’s Response and Appreciation

The Ashanti Regional branch of the GJA, under the leadership of Chairperson Kofi Adu Domfeh, issued a formal statement acknowledging the EPA’s efforts. The GJA highlighted the EPA’s “sustained commitment to the welfare and recovery” of the journalists.

From a media ethics perspective, this relationship is vital. The GJA often acts as the watchdog for press freedom, and their endorsement of the EPA’s handling of the crisis lends credibility to the Authority’s actions. It also sets a precedent for how government agencies should interact with the media following workplace accidents.

Current Health Status of Journalists

According to the GJA update, the recovery trajectory has been largely positive. Four of the five journalists have fully resumed their duties, indicating a robust recovery process. Akwasi Adomako, who suffered a thigh injury severe enough to require surgery, is reportedly recovering well at home. This gradual return to normalcy is a testament to the medical care received and the resilience of the affected individuals.

Practical Advice

For Journalists Covering High-Risk Environments

Environmental reporting, particularly on illegal mining and deforestation, often takes place in remote areas with challenging infrastructure. Based on the lessons from this incident, journalists should consider the following safety protocols:

Risk Assessment: Before embarking on field assignments, conduct a thorough risk assessment of the route and terrain.
Vehicle Safety: Ensure that vehicles used for official assignments are roadworthy and equipped with necessary safety features (seatbelts, first aid kits).
Communication Plans: Establish a check-in protocol with editors. Ensure satellite phones or reliable mobile networks are available in remote areas.
Protective Gear: When covering mining sites, wear appropriate protective clothing, including helmets and reflective vests, to enhance visibility and physical protection.

For Media Houses and Partner Agencies

Media organizations and agencies like the EPA collaborating on field assignments share a duty of care. To mitigate risks:

Insurance Coverage: Ensure all journalists on official assignments have comprehensive accident and health insurance.
Safety Briefings: Conduct mandatory safety briefings before field trips, outlining emergency procedures.
Vehicle Branding and Visibility: As discussed during the EPA’s visit, proper branding of media vehicles can increase visibility and signal official status to authorities and the public.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What caused the accident involving the journalists?

The accident occurred on November 6, 2025, when the journalists’ vehicle collided with an oncoming car at Afari near Nkawie in the Ashanti Region. While specific details regarding fault or road conditions were not the primary focus of the GJA statement, the incident was a traffic collision occurring during an official assignment.

Why were the journalists traveling with the EPA?

The journalists were on an official project with the EPA to monitor and report on illegal mining activities (galamsey). This collaboration is part of efforts to expose environmental infractions and advocate for sustainable practices.

How has the EPA supported the injured journalists?

The EPA provided sustained support following the accident. This culminated in a high-level visit on January 16, 2026, led by CEO Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse. The delegation visited the journalists to assess their health, discuss their welfare, and engage on safety measures such as vehicle branding.

Which media houses were represented in this accident?

The accident affected journalists from prominent Ghanaian media organizations, including TV3/Akoma FM, Channel One TV, Luv FM/PleasureNews, and Nhyira FM/Adom News.

What is the current condition of the journalists?

As of January 2026, four of the five journalists have fully resumed work. The fifth journalist, Akwasi Adomako, who underwent surgery for a thigh injury, is recovering steadily at home.

What measures is the GJA calling for?

The GJA is calling on institutions and stakeholders to ensure the provision of adequate safety and security measures whenever journalists are assigned to tasks that pose potential risks. They emphasize the need for journalists to prioritize personal safety while fulfilling their public-interest duties.

Conclusion

The commendation of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) – Ashanti Region, serves as a positive case study in inter-agency cooperation and corporate responsibility. While the traffic accident on November 6, 2025, was a tragic event, the response from the EPA has demonstrated a commitment to the welfare of the media partners involved.

As Ghana continues to grapple with the environmental challenges of illegal mining, the role of journalists remains critical. This incident underscores the necessity for robust safety protocols, comprehensive insurance, and unwavering institutional support for those on the front lines of environmental reporting. The recovery of the journalists is a relief, and the dialogue initiated between the GJA and the EPA sets a benchmark for future collaborations in high-risk environments.

Sources and References

The information presented in this article is derived from the following verified sources:

Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Ashanti Region: Official Press Statement signed by Regional Chairperson Kofi Adu Domfeh (January 16, 2026).
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA): Press release regarding the delegation visit led by CEO Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse.
Life Pulse Daily: Original report on the incident and subsequent updates.
Multimedia Group Limited: Reports from affiliated stations (TV3, Luv FM, Nhyira FM) regarding the status of their staff.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are based on the official statements from the GJA and EPA. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to refer to official agency releases for the most current information.