Manso Adubia, a town in the Ashanti region of southern Ghana, became the scene of a violent attack on a group of journalists from Multimedia Group Limited, Ghana’s largest media group. Erastus Asare Donkor, a highly respected journalist, along with his colleagues Nicholas Suantah, Majid Alidu, and driver Edward Arko, were investigating the environmental impact of a mining company in the area when they were ambushed by armed men claiming to be affiliated with the mining company.
The assailants forcibly took the journalists to a remote forest area after seizing their equipment, including phones, tablets, and SD cards. They subjected the journalists to physical assault, demanding access to their devices. Despite filing a complaint with the police in Manso Adubia, no suspects were immediately arrested, leaving the journalists feeling vulnerable and exposed to further threats.
Erastus Asare Donkor, recognized for his work on exposing illegal mining and environmental degradation, described the harrowing experience of being beaten and threatened by the armed group. The journalists’ commitment to investigative reporting on issues of public interest led them to confront the dangers of exposing environmental misconduct.
The incident sheds light on the risks faced by journalists in Ghana who seek to uncover corruption and environmental violations. The lack of immediate police intervention raises concerns about the safety and protection of media professionals operating in challenging environments where powerful interests are at play.
As the journalists await further action from the authorities, their ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in investigative journalism. The determination of Erastus Asare Donkor and his team to expose wrongdoing despite threats underscores the crucial role of media in holding powerful entities accountable for their actions. The incident serves as a call to action for authorities to ensure the safety and security of journalists risking their lives to uncover the truth.