Twifo Atti-Morkwa DCE Condemns Assault On GNA Journalist By Illegal Miners At Twifo Mampong

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Twifo Atti-Morkwa, Hon. Isaac Yawson, has strongly condemned the brutal assault on Ghana News Agency reporter, Nana Kwame Essel, by a group of illegal miners at Twifo Mampong in the Central Region.

The journalist was at the scene of a tragic mining pit collapse, which claimed the lives of three illegal miners to report on the incident.

While filming the site, a group of illegal miners, angered by the media presence, confronted Mr. Essel and demanded that he delete all footage.

When he declined, the group launched a violent attack on him, physically assaulting him and vandalizing his equipment including his mobile phone.

Hon. Yawson speaking with Angel News indicated that it took the timely intervention of the police and himself to rescue the injured journalist from the hostile mob.

“We quickly put him in my vehicle and rushed him to safety,” he stated.

Nana Kwame Essel is currently receiving medical treatment at the Twifo Oil Palm Plantation (TOPP) Health Center, at Twifo Praso.

The DCE said he has directed the police to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter and identify and arrest all those involved to face the full rigours of the law.

“This attack is not only criminal but also a direct assault on press freedom and democracy,” Hon. Yawson said. “Journalists must be allowed to operate freely without fear of intimidation or violence, especially when reporting on issues of national concern such as illegal mining.”

He further assured the media fraternity and the general public that his office is working with the police to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice and that such acts are never repeated in the district.

Story by: Kwame Owusu Asante Shadrack, Rich FM Assin Fosu