Betterland Ghana Limited has demanded a full retraction and public apology from Ghana Television (GTV) and its journalist Umaru Sanda Salifu over a report alleging that the company was involved in illegal mining activities in the Draw River Forest Reserve in the Western Region.
In a rejoinder issued by the company, Betterland described the broadcast as “false, misleading and defamatory,” insisting that the audiovisual material used in the report did not originate from the Draw River Forest Reserve.
The company alleged that most of the footage aired by GTV was from the Atiwa Forest but was presented as evidence of destruction in Gwira Banso.
Betterland further accused the state broadcaster and the journalist of failing to contact the company for its response before airing the report.
According to the company, it is engaged in expanded exploration activities and not illegal mining, adding that its operations are being conducted under a valid mining licence issued by the Minerals Commission after meeting the required statutory conditions.
Betterland said equating its exploration activities with galamsey amounts to an allegation of criminal conduct that could damage its reputation, investor confidence and relations with host communities.
The company also maintained that its activities are subject to daily supervision by officials of the Forestry Commission and are being carried out in accordance with applicable environmental, forestry and mining regulations.
It denied claims that its operations are being conducted near river bodies or cocoa farms and said the access road currently being used was constructed by timber companies before Betterland began its exploration activities.
Betterland has demanded that GTV and Umaru Sanda Salifu issue a full and unqualified retraction and apology on the same platform and with the same prominence as the original report.
The company has given the state broadcaster and journalist three days to comply.
It warned that failure to meet the demand would compel it to pursue legal action, including claims for damages and injunctions.
Betterland also said it would petition the National Media Commission (NMC) to investigate what it considers breaches of journalistic ethics and take appropriate action.
The company reiterated its commitment to lawful and responsible exploration and urged media organisations to uphold accuracy, fairness and accountability in their reporting.
Betterland said the public deserved accurate information rather than what it described as sensational reporting.
