Erastus Asare Donkor, the acclaimed Journalist of the Year awarded by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has opened up about the perils and challenges he faces in his pursuit of investigative journalism, particularly in uncovering the scourge of illegal mining.
In a candid discussion on JoyNews’ PM Express: Personality Profile, Erastus Asare Donkor disclosed the extent of sacrifices he and his family have made to ensure their safety during his investigative endeavors. “On some occasions, my family and I had to relocate so I could ensure their safety,” he shared, underscoring the profound measures taken to produce impactful stories that expose societal ills.
Being immersed in investigative journalism, especially concerning illegal mining, demanded an unwavering vigilance from Erastus Asare Donkor to safeguard his life while bringing to light the darker aspects of society. One incident recounted by the journalist involved a confrontation with over 35 heavily armed military personnel, an encounter that left him fearing for his life.
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Describing the tense situation, Erastus Asare Donkor explained, “The whole place was crawling with over 35 fully armed military men. As if they are going to war. They kept coming. They were plenty and angry.” The issue at hand was the scrutiny of a task force’s activities by his team, leading to a perilous standoff.
Erastus Asare Donkor also revealed an alarming episode where he captured on camera military personnel releasing Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining. When the soldiers realized they were being recorded, they ordered Donkor’s team to stand down, sparking a heated argument that escalated into a physical altercation.
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In another harrowing encounter, Erastus Asare Donkor detailed being held captive for several hours, during which he and his team were coerced into stripping naked. Displaying remarkable courage, he managed to negotiate their release. However, the soldiers, in a shocking turn of events, vandalized their vehicle and physically assaulted the journalist and his team.
Despite these numerous threats and traumatic experiences, Erastus Asare Donkor emphasized that he harbors no regrets about his work. Instead, he cherishes every moment, knowing that his investigative efforts have played a crucial role in raising awareness about pressing societal issues. His commitment to exposing the truth underscores the challenges faced by investigative journalists and their crucial role in creating public awareness.
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