News
Akwesi Agyeman, Ekpe vow to lead GJA to ‘era of purpose and professionalism’
As the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) prepares for its national elections, two of the key contenders, General Secretary Aspirant Akwasi Agyeman and Vice Presidential hopeful Rebecca Ekpe have called for a return to ethical journalism, stronger mentorship and institutional reforms.
They both made the remarks during separate visits to The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times, respectively to solicit for votes.
Akwasi Agyeman, an Editor with Multimedia is seeking to lead the association into what he calls a “new era of purpose and professionalism.”
He stressed the urgent need to reposition the GJA as a strong and relevant voice in national affairs.
“We cannot continue with business as usual. The GJA must be visible, active, and fearless in advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists,” he said during a meeting with media practitioners in Accra.
Mr. Agyeman noted that his leadership will focus on building partnerships, improving member services, and restoring the dignity of the Association. “We need to rekindle the spirit of solidarity within the GJA and provide real value to members, especially the younger generation,” he added.
Ms Rebecca Ekpe, a respected Broadcast Journalist and Editor, echoed similar sentiments in her call for mentorship and capacity building.
“I discovered through my journey that journalism is not just my job, it is who I am. My path in journalism was shaped by my seniors in the newsroom, and now I feel called to give back,” she said.
Ms Ekpe envisions a GJA where senior journalists regularly engage with young professionals through face-to-face mentoring and training platforms. “Even if you attend a session and pick just one idea, it could change the course of your career,” she remarked.
She also raised concerns about the rise of misinformation and the blurred lines between journalism and social media content creation. “People sit online insulting others and call themselves journalists. When they are attacked, GJA defends them, but we must ask: are they truly journalists? We must protect the integrity of our profession,” she stressed.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo wished them well in their campaigns and quest to serve the GJA.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
News
Government approves 32 road projects under big push programme
The Ministry of Finance has issued commitment authorizations for 32 road infrastructure projects across the country under the Big Push Programme.
The announcement was made during the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review presented to Parliament on Thursday July 24 2025 by the Minister for Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
The Big Push Programme is a blueprint of President John Mahama’s infrastructural development agenda aimed at transforming the country through large scale investments in roads and other critical sectors.
The latest approved road projects are expected to improve transportation, open up communities, boost economic activities and create jobs.
The projects include the construction of a new bridge on the Oti River at Dambai; dualization of the Winneba Mankessim and Cape Coast Takoradi roads; rehabilitation of the Wa Han, Techiman Wenchi, Tema Aflao and Ho Kpetoe roads; upgrading of the Tumu Hamile, Akosombo Gyakiti and Oyibi Afienya roads; and construction of the Kumasi and Sunyani Outer Ring Roads among others.
By Jacob Aggrey
News
Govt to introduce new road maintenance trust fund to cater for better roads
The government is set to introduce a new Road Maintenance Trust Fund aimed at improving how roads are maintained across the country.
This was announced by the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, during the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament.
According to him, the new trust fund will replace the current Ghana Road Fund, as part of efforts to reorganize and refocus government’s approach to road maintenance.
Dr. Forson stated that the Minister for Roads and Highways will soon lay the road maintenance trust fund bill before Parliament for approval.
“The Road Maintenance Trust Fund will come with a new governance structure, a fairer formula for allocating funds, and greater transparency in how the road fund levy and other resources are used,” he explained.
He added that the government has identified 166 constituencies that are in dire need of road infrastructure.
To address this,he noted that the plan was to rehabilitate 10 kilometres of roads every year in each of these constituencies.
“This means about 5,000 kilometres of roads will be reconstructed over the next three years,” Dr. Forson said.
He underscored the importance of the initiative saying, it will improve road conditions, enhance transportation, and benefit both commuters and businesses across the country.
By Jacob Aggrey
