Asankragwa Court Convicts Suspect in Attack on Journalists Covering Illegal Mining Activities
Daniel Baidoo sentenced after assaulting journalists near Adumanya
- Daniel Baidoo convicted for attacking journalists on February 21, 2025
- Baidoo fined GH₵3,600 or faces one year in prison
- Incident highlights risks faced by media covering illegal mining in Ghana
In a landmark decision on March 26, 2025, the Asankragwa District Court has convicted Daniel Baidoo for his involvement in the assault of a group of journalists investigating illegal mining activities in the Western Region.
Baidoo, arrested on February 21, 2025, was found guilty of attacking the journalists near Adumanya, close to Asankran Breman.
The court imposed a fine of 300 penalty units, amounting to GH₵3,600.00. Failure to pay the fine would result in a one-year imprisonment sentence with hard labor. Baidoo’s arrest led to the recovery of a Panasonic Lumix camera and an iPhone, both belonging to the victims.
This incident occurred amid ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey,” in the region.
Notably, in August 2023, Hon. Isaac Adjei Mensah, the Member of Parliament for Wassa East, led initiatives to halt galamsey activities in Asankran Breman, resulting in a cleaner and healthier environment.
The attack on the journalists drew attention to the challenges faced by media personnel covering environmental and mining issues.
