In a night that saw many acknowledge the GJA's commitment to responsible journalism, the Ashanti region’s contribution to the prestigious awards ceremony was notably singular. Despite a challenging year marked by significant threats, Ohemeng Tawiah of JoyNews emerged as the sole major award winner from the region, earning accolades for his relentless pursuit of truth in exposing illegal mining activities.

Ohemeng Tawiah's Courageous Fight Against Galamsey: A Hero Forged in Danger

The journey to this recognition was confronted by numerous challenges. Ohemeng Tawiah, who is an Assistant News Editor with Joynews, faced life-threatening danger while investigating illegal mining operations within the Offin Shelter Belt Forest Reserve. During his exposé, he was brutally attacked by thugs allegedly affiliated with the galamsey activities he was documenting.

This harrowing experience, however, did not deter him. Instead, he managed to escape with crucial evidence, indicating his unwavering dedication to investigative journalism.

While some expressed disappointment that more journalists from the Ashanti region were not recognised, Ohemeng Tawiah's win for Best Reporter on Illegal Mining served as a powerful testament to his exceptional work, capturing significant headlines and shedding light on a critical national issue.

In addition to Ohemeng Tawiah's prominent win, Clinton Yeboah, a student journalist from KNUST, also received recognition, being crowned the Best Student Journalist of the Year.

Why President Mahama Singled Out Ohemeng Tawiah for Praise Among the 29th GJA Awardees

President John Dramani Mahama specifically singled out Ohemeng Tawiah for commendation at the 29th GJA Awards, recognising the profound bravery he displayed in undertaking environmental reporting at immense personal risk.

Ohemeng Tawiah, who was celebrated for his award-winning coverage of illegal mining, had endured life-threatening injuries inflicted by perpetrators of these illicit activities.

Addressing the GJA Awards ceremony, President Mahama highlighted the inspiring courage demonstrated by Ohemeng Tawiah and his colleague Erastus Asare Donkor.

He stated that their persistent efforts in exposing environmental crime, despite facing grave personal danger, offer a beacon of hope in the national fight against such offenses. "I wish to commend journalists like Erastus Asare Donkor and my dear brother Ohemeng (Tawiah), who won the Best Reporter on Illegal Mining, and many others who persist in exposing environmental crime at great personal risk to themselves," President Mahama remarked. President John Dramani Mahama who reiterated his commitment to a fight against environmental destruction, said such brave acts must be encouraged.

The Dangers and Ohemeng Tawiah's Persistence and Unwavering Reportage

Ohemeng Tawiah's dedication to reporting on illegal mining activities dates back to 2005. His commitment came at a steep price during a police raid on the Offin Shelter Belt Forest Reserve on December 20, 2024. There, he sustained severe injuries, including machete wounds, broken wrists, and chest injuries.

The attackers also confiscated his mobile phones, GH₵5,600, a Bluetooth device, and smashed the team's Sony camera.

Prior to this attack, Ohemeng Tawiah had already exposed the clandestine operations of illegal miners, who were reportedly shielded by armed National Security operatives and elements of the government in power leading up to the 2024 elections. His impactful reporting covered three critical forest reserves in the Ashanti region: Asenayo, Jimira, and Offin Shelter Belt Forest Reserves. These areas had become virtually inaccessible to legitimate authorities until May 2025, when the Ministry of Lands announced their reclamation from the illegal miners.

Ohemeng's reports vividly detailed the pervasive sounds of excavators tearing through the forests, a clear indication of the extensive environmental plunder.

According to government statements, these coordinated operations were spearheaded by the Forestry Commission, with crucial support from security agencies under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

The Ashanti Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, Clement Omari, and the Nkawie District Forest Manager, Abraham Essel, confirmed that these reserves had remained green until a few months before the elections.

His compelling report, broadcast across Joynews TV, Adom TV, and Joy Prime TV, and published online, exposed how a "dangerous gang" had successfully obstructed forestry commission officials from accessing the forest.

Despite the brutal attacks he endured, Ohemeng Tawiah demonstrated remarkable professionalism by safeguarding his most vital asset: the memory card. This card contained indelible video footage of the destruction wrought by illegal miners, as well as evidence of the perpetrators themselves, proving to be invaluable in his groundbreaking report.