The EELL Africa 2025 Environmental Heroes Award has been given to JoyNews’ renowned investigative journalist Erastus Asare Donkor for his outstanding contributions to Ghana’s environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.
At a brief ceremony that took place at the British Council in Accra, Mr. Donkor was lauded for his exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment, and influential reporting on a number of Ghana’s most pressing environmental issues.
His work has significantly increased public awareness and policy discourse regarding illegal mining, climate change, and the destruction of crucial ecosystems, according to the award’s organizers, who praised his long-standing commitment to environmental advocacy.
“Your extensive work as a multi-award-winning investigative environmental journalist further underscores your commitment to environmental advocacy. With over 12 years of experience, you have made significant contributions through impactful reporting on critical issues such as illegal mining and climate change in Ghana.
The initiative indicated that “your major works, including “Destruction for Gold”, which documents the devastating impact of illegal mining across Ghana; “Poisoned for Gold”, which investigates the detrimental effects of illegal mining on public health; and “Forests under Siege” (focusing on the degradation of the Apamprama Forest Reserve), exemplify your dedication to raising awareness and inspiring action.”
The award also reflects Mr. Donkor’s alignment with the theme of the upcoming EELL Africa 2025 conference: “Sustainable Futures: Bridging African Traditions with Modern Land Use in the Face of Corporatization.”
His work was described as critical in bridging the gap between modern development and the preservation of Africa’s cultural and natural heritage.
“We believe this recognition will further motivate your impactful initiatives, and we look forward to celebrating your achievements at this important event.”
The 2025 edition, to be held in Accra, is being organised by the Pan African Centre for Climate Policy (PACCPOLICY) and will examine corporate influence on Indigenous lands, Ghana’s climate action strategies, and sustainable land-use planning.
Organisers expressed hope that the award will inspire Mr. Donkor to continue his impactful reporting and further amplify the voices of communities affected by environmental injustices.
Source: myghanadaily
